Elbow Pain

Center for Orthopaedics

Orthopaedic Surgeons located in Lake Charles, LA & Moss Bluff, LA

If you play sports like golf, tennis, or baseball, you’re more likely to experience elbow pain. Elbow pain usually isn’t something to worry about, but if your symptoms interfere with your ability to work and exercise, seek professional help. At the Center for Orthopaedics, the experienced team of orthopedic surgeons provides comprehensive care for elbow pain. Call the nearest office today or schedule online to make an appointment at the practice in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Elbow Pain Q & A

What is elbow pain?

Elbow pain is any discomfort or stiffness that affects one or both of your elbow joints. Each of your elbows features several working parts, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bone. If any of these is injured or diseased, it can cause pain and mobility problems.

Often, elbow pain responds to at-home treatment like ice and rest. If your elbow pain continues or gets worse, don’t wait to make an appointment with the Center for Orthopaedics team. Using conservative treatments, they can reduce your discomfort and help you feel better.

What causes elbow pain?

Several conditions cause elbow pain, including:

Golfer’s elbow
Little leaguer’s elbow
Tennis elbow
Bursitis
Dislocations
Sprains and sprains

Osteoarthritis can also cause elbow pain. Osteoarthritis causes cartilage –– a soft, supportive substance that protects your joints –– to wear away. That causes your bones to rub against each other, resulting in stiffness and pain.

When should I see an orthopedic specialist for elbow pain?

Most elbow pain responds to at-home treatments like ice, rest, and over-the-counter pain medication. If your pain gets worse or continues even while resting your arm, contact the Center for Orthopaedics right away.

How is elbow pain diagnosed?

The Center for Orthopedics team diagnoses elbow pain by reviewing your medical history and asking you about your symptoms.

Next, they gently examine your elbow, assessing its strength, flexibility, and range of motion. If the exam doesn’t provide enough information about what’s causing your pain, the team will order X-rays, an MRI, or a CT scan. These diagnostic imaging procedures capture detailed photos of your hard and soft tissues.

After determining the source of your elbow pain, your provider develops a treatment plan to restore your full range of motion while easing your pain.