Elbow Tendon Injuries

Elbow Tendon Injuries

Elbow Tendon Injury Treatment in New York

Elbow tendon injuries can cause pain, tenderness, weakness, and difficulty with gripping, lifting, throwing, or other activities that place stress on the elbow. Tendon problems may develop gradually from repetitive use or occur suddenly because of an injury. Early evaluation can help determine the affected tendon and whether nonsurgical treatment or surgery may be appropriate.

Dr. Salil Gupta, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist, elbow, and upper-extremity care in New York. His fellowship training in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery provides specialized experience in evaluating and treating conditions affecting the elbow and upper extremity.

What Are Elbow Tendon Injuries?

Tendons are strong bands of connective tissue that attach muscles to bones and help produce movement. The elbow contains several important tendons that help control bending, straightening, gripping, and rotation of the forearm.

Elbow tendon injuries can range from irritation and degeneration caused by repetitive stress to partial or complete tendon tears. Common conditions include tennis elbow, which affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow, and golfer's elbow, which affects tendons on the inside of the elbow. The distal biceps and triceps tendons can also be injured, sometimes as a result of a sudden force.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain around the inside or outside of the elbow
• Tenderness over the affected tendon
• Pain when gripping, lifting, or twisting
• Weakness in the arm or hand
• Swelling or bruising after an acute injury
• Reduced ability to perform certain activities
• A sudden popping sensation with some tendon tears
• Difficulty bending or straightening the elbow

What Are the Benefits of Treatment for Elbow Tendon Injuries?

Treatment is selected according to the type and severity of the injury, how long symptoms have been present, and how the condition affects your activities. Appropriate treatment may help:

• Reduce elbow pain and tenderness
• Improve strength and movement
• Restore function of the affected arm
• Allow a gradual return to work, exercise, or sports
• Support healing of an injured tendon
• Address persistent symptoms when nonsurgical treatment is insufficient
• Repair significant tendon tears when surgery is appropriate

Many elbow tendon problems can initially be treated without surgery. More significant injuries, including certain complete tendon tears, may require surgical evaluation.

When Is Treatment for Elbow Tendon Injuries Recommended?

Treatment may be recommended when elbow pain persists, limits activity, or follows an injury that may have damaged a tendon. The appropriate approach depends on the tendon involved and the extent of the injury.

Treatment may be considered when:

• Elbow pain persists despite activity modification
• Pain interferes with work, exercise, or sports
• Grip or arm strength has decreased
• Symptoms continue despite occupational therapy or other nonsurgical treatment
• There is significant swelling or bruising after an injury
• A sudden pop was followed by pain or weakness
• There is a suspected partial or complete tendon tear
• The injury significantly affects elbow or arm function

A prompt evaluation may be particularly important following an acute injury associated with sudden weakness, bruising, or loss of function.

What Does Preparation for Elbow Tendon Injury Treatment Involve?

Preparation begins with a detailed review of your symptoms, how the injury occurred, your activity level, previous elbow problems, and treatments you have already tried. Dr. Gupta will examine the elbow and assess strength, movement, tenderness, and function.

Imaging may be recommended to determine the extent of tendon damage. X-rays can help evaluate the bones and identify certain associated injuries. Ultrasound or MRI may be used in selected cases to assess the tendons and surrounding soft tissues.

If surgery is recommended, you will receive specific instructions regarding medications, eating and drinking before the procedure, transportation, and postoperative care.

How Are Elbow Tendon Injuries Treated?

Treatment depends on the specific tendon and severity of the injury. Nonsurgical treatment may include activity modification, rest from aggravating activities, ice, medications when appropriate, occupational therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, or other measures designed to reduce symptoms and restore function.

For conditions such as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, a structured rehabilitation program may be recommended to improve tendon strength and gradually restore activity.

Certain tendon tears may require surgical repair. For example, a significant distal biceps or triceps tendon tear may be evaluated for surgical repair depending on the patient's symptoms, activity requirements, extent of the injury, and other factors.

The recommended treatment is individualized rather than based solely on the imaging findings.

What to Expect During Recovery After Elbow Tendon Injury Treatment?

Recovery depends on the tendon involved, severity of the injury, treatment provided, and individual healing. Following nonsurgical treatment, rehabilitation may focus on gradually restoring flexibility, strength, and tolerance for activity.

After tendon repair surgery, the elbow may need to be protected with a splint or brace during the initial healing period. Movement and strengthening are typically introduced gradually according to the specific procedure and your surgeon's instructions.

Returning to heavy lifting, repetitive activities, work, or sports too quickly can place excessive stress on a healing tendon. Your rehabilitation plan will provide guidance on when and how activities can be resumed.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Treatment for Elbow Tendon Injuries?

Potential risks vary depending on the injury and treatment. They may include:

• Persistent or recurrent pain
• Weakness
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Tendon re-injury or failure to heal
• Infection
• Bleeding or swelling
• Scar sensitivity
• Nerve or blood vessel injury
• Delayed recovery
• Need for additional treatment or surgery

Your individual risks depend on the specific tendon injury, treatment selected, and other health factors. Dr. Gupta can discuss the potential benefits and risks of treatment during your evaluation.

Why Choose Dr. Salil Gupta for Elbow Tendon Injuries in New York?

Dr. Salil Gupta is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist, elbow, and upper-extremity conditions. He completed fellowship training in Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery and additional fellowship training in Pediatric Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery.

His specialized practice encompasses conditions involving the tendons, nerves, joints, and bones of the upper extremity. His professional background also includes an academic appointment at NYU School of Medicine and extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of hand, wrist, and elbow conditions.

Patients in Manhattan, Queens, and surrounding New York communities can seek specialized evaluation for elbow tendon injuries at the practice's New York and Rego Park locations.

Elbow Tendon Injuries FAQs