There are two very common reasons for elbow pain. The very well known tennis elbow and the less talked about golfer's elbow. Tennis elbow occurs on the 'outside' or lateral portion of the forearm and golfer's elbow occurs on the 'inside' or medial portion. Treatment, aside from the location, is identical.
Tennis/Golfer's Elbow is an inflammation, soreness, or pain on the outside (lateral) side of the upper arm near the elbow. There may be a partial tear of the tendon fibers, which connect muscle to bone, at or near their point of origin on the outside of the elbow.
The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and swelling. Treatment at this office may include:
Heat therapy,
Pulsed ultrasound to break up scar tissue, promote healing, and increase blood flow in the area,
Using a splint to keep the forearm and elbow still for 2 to 3 weeks, or a strap around the forearm near the elbow.
Acupuncture/Dry Needling can also be of benefit.
There are also two specific activities you can perform at home which, when performed consistently, nearly always result in resolution of the problem.
Other interventions not at this office could include: Local injection of cortisone and a numbing medicine, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin). For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call (507) 455-0199.