Elbow Tendonitis Specialist in Bartlett, Elgin, Schaumburg, and Chicago, IL
What is Elbow Tendonitis?
If you’ve been diagnosed with elbow tendonitis, you might be confused about what that means. Tendonitis is a term used to describe injuries that affect various tendons across your body. Two main types of tendonitis can develop in your elbow: tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Both conditions can cause significant pain and affect your daily life.
What are the Symptoms of Elbow Tendonitis?
The main symptom of elbow tendonitis is pain. The location of your pain will determine what form of tendonitis you have and how it should be treated, so it is important to be as specific as possible when discussing pain with your doctor. Pain on the outside of your elbow can indicate tennis elbow, while pain on the inside may indicate golfer’s elbow. Pain may radiate down to your wrist, which may increase when moving your arm. Certain movements, such as lifting or gripping something, might trigger pain.
What Causes Elbow Tendonitis?
Elbow tendonitis is caused by repetitive motion of the wrist or elbow. The repetitive stress on your tendons causes micro-tears and strains that gradually weaken and damage the tendons over time. While golf and tennis are the most well-known causes of these injuries, common chores such as gardening, painting, or using a screwdriver can lead to elbow tendonitis, especially if they are part of your job or you perform them daily. If you believe your elbow tendonitis results from your job, you may qualify for workers’ compensation, which can cover the cost of treatment.
Can I Prevent Elbow Tendonitis?
While wear and tear on your tendons is inevitable as you age, taking simple precautions and lifestyle changes can keep you from developing elbow tendonitis. Stretching before exercise and using protective gear when playing sports can make a huge difference. It is also important not to push through pain, which can worsen the injury. Ergonomically designed tools and computer accessories can help you maintain proper positioning when working and reduce wear on your tendons.
How is Elbow Tendonitis Treated?
Unless your injury is severe enough to require surgery, rest is the best treatment. In some cases, this may mean you must avoid the activity that caused the injury for several months. Your physician may have you wear a brace to stabilize the area during this time. More intense treatment options that might be required include steroid injections, pain management, and physical therapy. A consultation with one of our leading orthopedic physicians is required to diagnose your condition. After a full assessment, your doctor will create a treatment plan tailored to your circumstances.
Chicago Area Elbow Tendonitis Specialists
At Suburban Orthopaedics, we understand the elbow is integral to many everyday activities. If you’re experiencing pain, it’s essential to get it evaluated and diagnosed so you can begin the proper course of treatment. Schedule an appointment now, or we offer same-day services at our Bartlett, Elgin, and Schaumburg, IL locations.
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