Elbow Inflammation Specialist in Tennessee

Orthopedic Doctor for Elbow Inflammation in Eastern Tennessee

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Best Orthopedic Doctor for Elbow Inflammation in Tennessee

Elbow pain caused by inflammation can slow your day down considerably and impact your quality of life. Elbow inflammation is also known as elbow arthritis or olecranon bursitis, which causes pain and swelling in the elbow joint.

 

What Causes Elbow Inflammation?

  • Injury such as a fracture, torn ligament, or dislocation
  • Overuse or a repetitive motion injury
  • Medical conditions such as gout, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Tendonitis
  • Infection
  • Sports Injury

Elbow inflammation typically affects the synovial membrane or lining of the joint, producing synovial fluid used to lubricate and protect the joint.

What Are the Symptoms of Elbow Inflammation?

  • Persistent or intermittent pain around the elbow joint
  • Stiffness and difficulty moving the elbow, especially after rigorous activity or periods of inactivity
  • Reduced or limited range of motion, making it hard to flex or extend the elbow
  • Swelling or warmth of the elbow joint

How Will My Doctor Diagnose Elbow Pain?

Our orthopedic specialists will speak with you to get your medical history and examine the inflamed elbow. Tell them if you’ve had any recent elbow, shoulder, or wrist injuries, as that could affect your elbow pain, and include specifics about your elbow pain symptoms, including when it started, how long it’s lasting, and what makes it worse. Your orthopedic specialist will assess your range of motion and likely order imaging such as X-rays to rule out fracture, dislocation, or degenerative bone and joint diseases or an MRI to aid in detecting tendinitis or bursitis, torn ligaments, or muscle damage.

Your provider may order a blood test to check for inflammatory disorders if they suspect rheumatoid arthritis or lupus to be causing your symptoms.

 

What is the Treatment for Elbow Pain?

Treating elbow inflammation depends on the underlying cause and ranges from lifestyle changes to physical therapy or surgical intervention to replace the joint or surgically repair ligaments and tendons.  Treatment for elbow inflammation includes:

  • Rest
  • Modify activities that cause irritation or pain
  • Physical therapy
  • Over-the-counter NSAIDs 
  • Brace or splints to stabilize the elbow joint
  • Surgery

 

While common and treatable, the sooner you receive a diagnosis for your elbow inflammation, the sooner you can restore optimal function to your elbow joint and improve your quality of life. The more prolonged joint pain goes untreated, the greater the risk for joint or tendon damage and increased pain. Your orthopedic specialist from Tennessee Orthopaedics will help you get to the bottom of your elbow pain and provide a personalized and tailored treatment plan to help minimize pain, regain function, and prevent re-injury. 

Elbow Pain Treatment in East Tennessee

Our expert orthopedic specialists are here to help you get answers about your elbow pain. Experience compassionate care tailored to your needs. We accept most major insurances, making quality healthcare accessible. Don’t let elbow inflammation hold you back – take the first step to getting answers and treatment for your elbow pain. Schedule your appointment today at Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance and embark on the path to a healthier, more active you! Our orthopedic clinic has multiple locations where we serve patients in Knoxville, TN, Oak Ridge, TN, Lenoir City, TN, and Sevierville, TN.

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