Elbow

Understanding Your Elbow Pain: Diagnosis and Common Conditions

Elbow pain can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from acute injuries to chronic overuse conditions. Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment. Dr. O’Connor will conduct a thorough examination, reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and performing specific tests to pinpoint the source of your pain. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to ensure a precise understanding of your condition.

Common conditions we treat include:

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Despite its name, this common condition often affects individuals whose jobs or hobbies involve repetitive arm and wrist motions, not just tennis players. It causes pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow.
• Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Characterized by pain on the inner side of the elbow, this condition is also typically caused by repetitive wrist flexion or gripping.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the elbow joint.
• Tendinitis/Tendinopathy: Inflammation or degeneration of the tendons surrounding the elbow.
• Ligament Injuries: Sprains or tears of the ligaments, such as the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), common in throwing athletes.
• Osteoarthritis of the Elbow: Degenerative joint disease leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
• Nerve Entrapment: Conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome, where a nerve (ulnar nerve) becomes compressed at the elbow.

Tailored Elbow Pain Treatment Options

At Daryl O’Connor MD, we believe in a patient-centered approach to care. Your treatment plan will be customized to your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and recovery goals. Our goal is to alleviate your pain and restore function through the least invasive yet most effective methods possible.

Conservative Treatment Approaches:

Many elbow conditions respond well to non-surgical treatments. These may include:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Identifying and avoiding activities that aggravate your pain.
• Ice Therapy: Reducing inflammation and pain with regular ice applications.
• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications.
• Physical Therapy: A cornerstone of elbow pain recovery. Our team will guide you through targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore proper mechanics. This may include eccentric exercises, which are particularly effective for tendinopathies.
• Bracing or Splinting: Providing support and reducing stress on the affected area.
• Injections:
  • Corticosteroid Injections: To reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Utilizing your body’s own growth factors to promote healing in damaged tissues.
  • Prolotherapy: Injections of an irritant solution to stimulate the body’s natural healing process.

Advanced Surgical Solutions (When Necessary):

For severe or persistent elbow pain that doesn’t respond to conservative measures, surgical intervention may be considered. Dr. O’Connor is experienced in advanced orthopedic surgical techniques, including:

• Arthroscopic Elbow Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat various elbow conditions, often leading to faster recovery.
• Tendon Repair: Surgically repairing torn or damaged tendons.
• Ligament Reconstruction: Rebuilding damaged ligaments, such as in “Tommy John” surgery for UCL tears.
• Debridement: Removal of damaged tissue to promote healing.
• Total Elbow Replacement: For severe osteoarthritis or other complex joint damage, typically reserved for elderly patients with limited range of motion.

Why Choose Daryl O’Connor MD for Your Elbow Pain in Elmhurst, IL?

• Experienced Orthopedic Surgeon: Dr. Daryl O’Connor is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of elbow conditions.
• Personalized Care: We prioritize understanding your unique needs and developing a treatment plan tailored specifically for you.
• Comprehensive Approach: From conservative therapies to advanced surgical procedures, we offer a full spectrum of elbow pain treatments.
• Patient-Centered Philosophy: Our team is dedicated to providing a comfortable, professional, and supportive environment throughout your recovery journey.
• Convenient Elmhurst Location: Easily accessible for patients throughout Elmhurst, IL, and surrounding communities.

Don’t let elbow pain hold you back any longer. If you’re seeking effective and lasting relief from elbow pain in Elmhurst, IL, contact Daryl O’Connor MD today.