Elbow and Arm Conditions and Injuries We Diagnose and Treat

EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region’s team of highly skilled orthopedic experts is dedicated to providing exceptional care for patients suffering from a wide range of elbow, arm, and upper extremity injuries and conditions—from simple injuries to complex reconstructions. Our nearby elbow specialists are board-certified and fellowship-trained in the latest nonsurgical and surgical techniques and technologies. Our goal is to help you get back to your daily routine, free from pain and discomfort, as safely and quickly as possible.

The Elbow in Brief

The upper arm and elbow are integral to us performing everyday activities such as lifting, carrying, and throwing. In fact, the elbow is responsible for a large part of our range of motion. Unfortunately, they are also susceptible to a range of conditions that can cause pain and limit mobility.

The elbow is where the two bones of the forearm—the radius on the thumb side of the arm and the ulna on the pinky finger side—meet the bone of the upper arm—the humerus, through a network of ligaments and muscles. One of the most frequently exercised and most stressed joints in our bodies, the elbow is also prone to injury and a number of painful orthopedic conditions.

Using State-of-the-Art Technologies and Tools for Precision Diagnoses

We strive to keep up with the latest diagnostic technological advancements in orthopedic care, so you get an accurate diagnosis quickly, and we get to start treating you promptly. At EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region, our elbow and arm physicians use many leading tools in-house, including:

• MRI scanners
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Nerve conduction studies (NCS)
• X-rays

Conditions Elbow Specialists Treat

Elbow and upper extremity pain can be caused by a variety of conditions that, if left untreated, can worsen over time, leading to chronic pain and limited mobility. Our nearby elbow doctors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, offering a range of treatment options to help you find relief. Common conditions we treat include:

• Tennis elbow: a condition that occurs when the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow become inflamed, causing pain and stiffness
• Golfer’s elbow: similar to tennis elbow, but it affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow
• Bursitis: a condition where the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint become inflamed, causing pain and swelling
• Tendinitis: a condition where the tendons become inflamed, causing pain and limited mobility
• Rotator cuff tear: a tear in one or more of the tendons that attach the shoulder muscles to the upper arm bone
• Fractures: a break in one or more of the bones in the upper arm or elbow

Nonsurgical and Surgical Treatments

Our orthopedic arm and elbow specialists nearby are trained in the latest techniques and procedures to effectively treat elbow injuries and conditions. As a first step, we utilize a number of nonsurgical, conservative treatments to help our patients recover quickly and fully.

Some of these treatments include:

• Rest and ice: One of the most effective ways to reduce pain and inflammation is to rest the affected area and apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Physical and occupational therapy: A trained physical therapist can help improve strength and flexibility, as well as develop a customized exercise plan to help relieve pain and prevent future injuries.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroid injections: These injections can help to reduce inflammation and provide short-term pain relief.
• Ultrasound therapy: This treatment uses high-frequency sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain.

If these conservative treatments do not successfully reduce your pain, we will consider minimally invasive and full surgery. Our arm doctors have vast experience performing a wide range of procedures, including:

• Tennis Elbow Release
• Golfer’s Elbow Release
• Repair Biceps Tendon Ruptures at Elbow
• Cubital Tunnel Release (Ulnar Nerve at Elbow)
• Elbow Arthroscopy for Loose Bodies, Arthritis
• Releases for Stiff Elbows
• Ligament Reconstruction for Loose Elbows
• Operative Fixation of Elbow Fractures
• Operative Fixation of Forearm Fractures
• Joint Replacements

Our upper extremity specialists are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients suffering from injuries and conditions affecting the entire upper extremity, including the shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand.

Personalized Patient Care

At EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region, we believe in a personalized approach to patient care. We take the time to listen to our patients, understand their unique needs and concerns, and develop a customized treatment plan to meet their specific needs. We work closely with our patients throughout the treatment process to ensure their comfort, understanding, and satisfaction.

If you are experiencing elbow, arm, or upper extremity pain or discomfort, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with our orthopedic elbow specialists nearby. We are committed to providing the highest level of care, using the latest techniques and procedures to help you Emerge Stronger, Healthier, and Better. Schedule your appointment today.