Elbow Conditions in Missoula, Montana

Tennis elbow is a painful condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons near the outside of the elbow. It often develops from repeated gripping, lifting, or wrist movements. This repetitive motion creates small tears in the tendons, causing pain and tenderness around the elbow joint.

Golfer’s elbow affects the inner part of the elbow, where tendons attach to the forearm muscles. It results from repeated bending or twisting motions, such as swinging a golf club or lifting heavy objects. This condition leads to pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion.

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes thickening and tightening of the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint, often leading to scar tissue and restricted shoulder movement. Patients may feel pain and stiffness that worsens over time, eventually making the arm difficult to move. Frozen shoulder can result from injury, surgery, or even certain skin diseases and musculoskeletal conditions.

Triceps and biceps tendinopathy involves irritation or small tears in the tendons connecting the triceps or biceps to the elbow joint. It’s commonly caused by overuse or sudden increases in physical activity. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and weakness in the upper arm and forearm.

Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inner part of the elbow, becomes compressed or irritated. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or pain in the elbow, forearm, and hand, especially when the elbow stays bent for long periods.

This condition occurs when the radial nerve is compressed near the elbow, often due to repetitive pushing or pulling motions. Symptoms include a dull, aching pain in the forearm that may be mistaken for tennis elbow, but the discomfort is located farther down the arm.

A break in one or more of the three bones that form the elbow joint can happen after a direct blow, a fall, or other trauma. Fractures cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to move the elbow. X-rays are used to diagnose the injury and guide treatment.

An elbow dislocation occurs when the bones in the elbow joint are forced out of place, usually from a fall or high-impact accident. Symptoms include sudden, intense pain, swelling, and a visibly misshapen elbow. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed.

Injuries to the ligaments around the elbow, such as the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), can result from sports injuries or overextension. These injuries can cause instability, tenderness, and reduced strength in the elbow joint.

Osteoarthritis of the elbow occurs when the joint cartilage wears down over time, often due to age or repeated stress on the elbow joint. This can result in stiffness, pain, and difficulty with motion. Anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and surgery may help relieve pain and restore movement.

This form of arthritis develops after a previous injury, such as a fracture or dislocation. The damage to the joint tissues can cause long-term inflammation, stiffness, and pain that affects daily activities and may require advanced treatment options.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack healthy joint tissues, including those in the elbow. This leads to chronic inflammation, pain, and swelling in both elbows and can damage cartilage and bones over time.

This condition involves inflammation of the olecranon bursa, a cushioning structure at the tip of the elbow. It can be caused by a direct blow, frequent pressure, or infection. Common symptoms include visible swelling, redness, and tenderness at the back of the elbow.

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) affects younger athletes and occurs when a piece of cartilage and the underlying bone in the elbow joint loses blood supply, potentially leading to loose fragments. This condition can cause pain, catching, or locking of the elbow during movement.

Loose fragments of bone or cartilage can float inside the elbow joint due to an injury, arthritis, or other conditions. These pieces can get stuck between moving parts, leading to sudden locking, pain, or a limited range of motion.