Elbow overuse injuries may cause pain and other problems in the forearm, wrist and hand and obviously the elbow itself. These issues typcially affect athletes along with those individuals who perform repetitive motions with their arms. It doesn’t have to be just athletes, but that’s what is mostly seen by a Phoenix orthopedic surgeon. Adolescents and children whose bones have not fully formed along with those working in factories are typically susceptible to these injuries. Overhand throwing and other overhand motions can place harmful stresses on the forearm, elbow, and shoulder, elbow. This stress may eventually cause pain, damage,and even scarring. This may also cause tendonitis and since these tendons do not maintain a great blood supply healing may take quite a bit of time. Some of the activities which lead to overuse injuries are named after the activities which incite them such as golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, litte league elbow, or student’s elbow. Symptoms resulting from the overuse will vary considerably and may include loss of mobility, tenderness, pain, swelling, numbness, weakness, tingling, or clicking and popping sounds. Treatment options may include cold compresses, rest, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, bracing, or as a last resort a surgical procedure by orthopedic surgeons phoenix az. Repetitive throwing stretches tendons ligaments on the inner side of the elbow and compresses those on the elbow’s outer side. Over time this can be harmful to bone and tissue in adolescents who are not quite skeletally mature. In medial epicondylitis, which is commonly called golfer’s elbow, there is overuse of the flexor forearm muscles which attach to the inside area of the elbow. This can eventually deteriorate the tendon somewhat, and is often able to be treated nonsurgically by an orthopedic doctors in phoenix az. Repetitive throwing may completely tear or hopefully just strain a vital ligament, the medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL). This ligament spans the area between the humerus and the ulna and then causes pain on the elbow’s inner side. If the injury has led to a complete tear may need a reconstructive surgery by a Scottsdale orthopedic surgeon commonly known as Tommy John surgery. Little leaguer’s elbow is the layman’s term for medial apophysitis. This condition typically occurs in children before they reach the age of puberty. These elbow areas have growth plates that have not quite completed their growth and repetitive throwing can lead to stress and permanent damage of these areas. Rest of the elbow and pitching limitations typically will help it get better if initiated soon enough and long enough. Repetitive throwing may disrupt the elbow’s blood supply to the cartilage that cushions the bony ends. This may lead to sections of cartilage to then pull away from its normal area or even break off. This is referred to as osteochondritis dissecans and commonly causes pain on the elbow’s outer side. Surgery may be necessary to remove loose bone or cartilage fragments if they exist. FXRX is the premier practice of orthopedic doctors in Phoenix AZ and also has AZ Orthopedic Surgeons. FXRX has a Board Certified, Fellowship Trained Sports Medicine surgeon, Sumit Dewanjee, MD specializing in the treatment of knee, shoulder and hip problems. FXRX also specializes in fracture treatment and orthopedic bracing, treating each patient as if he or she were part of their own family! Call 480-449-FXRX Today to make your appointment.
