Elbow injuries

Your elbows help you do things like throw a ball and pick up a coffee mug. This hardworking joint is prone to injuries from sports, accidents, and overuse. Learn about common injuries, symptoms, and treatments at Montage Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

Elbow arthritis

Elbow arthritis happens when the joint’s soft cartilage wears down. This causes pain, stiffness and swelling. Learn more about arthritis.

Elbow dislocations

A sudden impact may push your elbow bones out of place. This is a dislocated elbow. Elbow dislocation injuries often happen to children. The injury can be serious if nerves get pinched, so it’s best to see a provider right away.

You'll know something is wrong if your elbow looks misshapen and is very painful. You'll need immediate medical care to heal and prevent long-term damage. Don't try to fix the dislocation yourself. Always seek help from a medical professional.

Your provider will choose the best treatment based on how severe the dislocation is. Treatment might include:

• Putting the bones back in position
• Starting physical therapy to regain strength and movement
• Surgery for more serious dislocations

Elbow fractures

You might experience a broken elbow (or arm) at some point. Children are especially likely to get this injury. The break can happen above, at, or inside the elbow joint.

Signs that something might be wrong are:

• Swelling around the elbow
• Numbness in the hand
• Trouble straightening your arm

Nerve or blood flow problems could happen, depending on your child's age. Always get medical help quickly to heal and prevent long-term problems.

Your provider will choose the best treatment based on how bad the elbow break is. Treatments include:

• Splint or cast to support the elbow
• Surgery for more serious breaks

Elbow tendinitis

Tendinitis in the arm and elbow is a common cause of pain. Learn more about tendinitis.

Elbow bursitis

Your elbow has small fluid-filled sacs called bursae. If they become inflamed, you have elbow bursitis. This condition can limit your arm movement and make daily tasks harder. Learn more about bursitis.

Tennis and golfer’s elbow

Tennis and golf are popular sports that keep you active. But rapid, repetitive swinging motions can cause painful arm injuries.

Tennis elbow

When you swing a tennis racket over and over, you might develop tennis elbow. You'll feel pain outside your elbow and sometimes in your forearm and wrist. Your provider might order:

• Physical therapy
• Pain relievers
• Rest to help your arm recover

Golfer's elbow

Swinging a golf club can cause golfer's elbow. This injury makes your elbows feel stiff and can weaken your hand and wrist. Your provider may recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Ice packs
• Bandaging
• Pain relievers
• Rest