Elbow Pain Care in Omaha, NE
Even the simplest tasks can be challenging when you are suffering from hand, wrist, or elbow problems. Our orthopedic experts can help you relieve pain and regain everyday abilities.
Care for Shoulder Issues and Injuries
Overuse, injury, and degenerative disease can all cause shoulder problems and pain. Our specialists treat a range of conditions, including:
Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. It may cause the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the hands, wrists, and elbows.
- Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the synovial lining of the joints, causing extra synovial fluid which leads to severe pain and stiffness.
Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled pads) that act as cushions at the joints, occurring most often at joints that perform frequent repetitive motion, like in the hips, shoulders, knees, and elbows.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
With this condition, the median nerve is squeezed or compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, a narrow confined space. Since the median nerve provides sensory and motor functions to the thumb and 3 middle fingers, many symptoms may result. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may look like other conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome — also known as ulnar neuropathy — is a condition the ulnar nerve (also known as the “funny bone” nerve) becomes compressed or irritated. This causes numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers and pain in the forearm. When left untreated, muscle weakness can occur and sensation may be lost. Non-surgical treatment is common
Fractures, sprains, and strains
Depending on the injury, it can be very difficult to know the extent of the damage. Sometimes a strain can feel like a fracture or you think it’s just a sprain when it’s actually a break. While you can’t go wrong with rest, it’s always a good idea to diagnose the problem with a professional rather than making an injury worse.
Ganglion cysts
Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps that develop on your wrists and hands along the tendons or joints. These can be painful and interfere with the movement of the joint.
Tendon disorders
- Tennis elbow (or lateral epicondylitis) is an irritation of the tendons connecting the forearm muscle to the elbow. This is the most common elbow pain that people see their doctor for.
- Golfer’s or baseball elbow (or medial epicondylitis) is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm and causes pain from the elbow to the wrist on the inside of the elbow.
- De Quervain’s syndrome affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist and causes pain and swelling in your thumb and wrist.
- Trigger finger and trigger thumb (or stenosing tenosynovitis) is a painful condition that causes your finger to lock or catch when you bend it.
If you’ve been injured during sports or exercise…
Carpometacarpal arthroplasty
One of the most common sites of arthritis in the body is in the thumb, especially in women. Carpometacarpal arthroplasty is an effective way to reduce pain and improve mobility.
What is joint replacement surgery?
Carpometacarpal joint replacement (also called arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure in which all or a portion of the thumb joint is removed and replaced with a tendon.
What are the common reasons for carpometacarpal replacement surgery?
This joint replacement surgery is a very successful procedure for treating the severe pain and stiffness that can result from arthritis or degenerative joint disease.
How do I know if I need joint replacement surgery?
The specialists at Omaha orthopedics will work with you to determine the best treatment for your joints. Although surgery is one option, we may be able to find non-surgical options to treat your pain and mobility limitations.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Are you avoiding certain activities or movements because of your pain?
- Has your pain been persistent for over a month?
- Have you been using medication for pain relief, but it’s no longer helping?
- Are normal activities like carrying groceries becoming consistently painful?
If you answered yes to any of these, let’s meet to discuss your mobility goals and the best treatment for you. Contact us to make an appointment.