Elbow Pain | Houston, TX
The elbow joint is made up of the humerus (bone in the upper arm), as well as the radius and ulna (bones in the forearm). On the bottom of the humerus are bony protrusions known as epicondyles. The epicondyles on the outside of the humerus are known as lateral epicondyles and the epicondyles on the inside of the humerus are known as medial epicondyles.
Treating Elbow Pain and Tennis Elbow
One of the most common causes of elbow pain is chronic overuse. Lateral Epicondylitis, also known as Tennis Elbow, is one of the most common causes of elbow pain. Lateral Epicondylitis involves tendons and muscles that are attached to the outside of your forearm at the lateral epicondyles. One of the muscles involved is the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis, which extends the wrist and fingers. It is thought that up to 1-3% of the population is affected by Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow). Another reason for elbow pain is Medial Epicondylitis, also known as Golfer’s Elbow. Medial Epicondylitis involves the tendons and muscles attached to the inside of your forearm at the medical epicondyles. Two muscles that can be involved in Medial Epicondylitis are the Pronator Teres and the Flexor Carpi Radialis.
One of the most common causes of elbow pain is chronic overuse. Lateral Epicondylitis, also known as Tennis Elbow, is one of the most common causes of elbow pain.
The Pronator Teres pronates the forearm, meaning that it would cause the forearm and palm to move in a rotational motion to make the palm and forearm face the floor if held parallel to the floor. The Flexor Carpi Radialis flexes the wrist and fingers. Up to 10% of elbow pain is due to Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow). It is important to know that you don’t have to play tennis or golf to acquire Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow. Gardening, construction work, and repetitive activities of daily living or overuse can lead to elbow pain. These two diagnoses are not the only causes of elbow pain and other medical conditions could be involved, so it is important to get evaluated by a physician to determine the proper diagnosis for your elbow pain.
If you are suffering with elbow pain and ready to get evaluated and treatment, Dr. Shaun Lehmann at Houston Spine & Sports Medicine is ready to help. Our physician has years of experience treating pain and offers multiple nonsurgical treatment options for his patients. During your initial evaluation your physician will get a medical history, complete a physical exam, and determine if any diagnostic imaging testing needs to be completed. Once you have been evaluated our physician will discuss your condition with you and determine a plan of treatment best suited for your condition.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Elbow Pain
Dr. Shaun Lehmann strives to treat elbow pain with non surgical treatment options that help your body to naturally heal itself. There are multiple nonsurgical treatments available at Houston Spine & Sports Medicine and our physician is ready to help you determine the treatment course that is best for you.
Common Diagnoses for Elbow Pain:
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Tricep Tendinitis
- Elbow Arthritis Pain
- Elbow Fractures