Elbow Doctor
Orthopedic Elbow Surgery in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC
Orthopedic Elbow Treatment in South Carolina
Expert Elbow Care
The Elbow Center at Carolina Orthopaedics & Neurosurgical Associates has highly-trained physicians who are experienced in the treatments of the elbows. Our specially-trained physicians provide advanced treatment for problems related to the elbow–from tennis elbow to chronic pain related to arthritis or other athletic injuries.
If left untreated, symptoms may spread to other body parts like your shoulder. This is because your shoulder tries to overwork itself when your elbow is not functioning well.
There are a variety of elbow conditions and injuries that our specialists treat. Please contact our office, if you do not see the condition below.
Common Elbow Conditions
Elbow Pain
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Elbow Fractures
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Elbow Dislocation
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when the ulnar nerve on the inside of the elbow, which goes through the cubital tunnel, which is a tube made of muscle, ligament, and bone, suffers an injury and becomes swollen, red, and irritated.
The pain from cubital tunnel syndrome is similar to the pain you feel when you hit the “funny bone” in your elbow. The “funny bone” in the elbow is actually the ulnar nerve, which runs across the elbow, starting on the side of your neck and going all the way down to your fingers.
Epicondylitis
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Inflammation of the tendons on the outside part of the elbow.
- Medical epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow). Inflammation of the tendons on the inside part of the elbow.
Both types present with the same symptoms. Symptoms are dramatically reduced when an accurate diagnosis is made and an effective treatment plan is prescribed. Patients should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) as soon as symptoms present.
Tennis Elbow
Golfer's Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is a disease that causes pain where the tendons of your forearm muscles connect to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. You might feel pain in your hand and wrist as well.
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are similar. Golfer’s elbow can happen to golfers, tennis players, and other people who use their arms or fingers a lot, not necessarily just in athletes.
Elbow Bursitis
Elbow bursitis is inflammation of the elbow bursa—a fluid filled sac that cushions the elbow joint. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) elbow specialist should be made when elbow bursitis symptoms are experienced.
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
Ruptured Biceps Tendon
The biceps is a long muscle that helps flex the arm. One of the biceps tendons inserts on the elbow. A biceps tendon rupture occurs when the tendon is torn from its insertion point. The injury is rare but serious. An appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) elbow specialist should be made as soon as possible.
UCL Tear
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Elbow surgery is suggested only when all other options have been exhausted. Our Elbow Center Team is dedicated to treating patients with the most effective course of treatment available.
Common Elbow Treatments
Elbow Arthroscopy
Total Elbow Replacement
UCL Repair
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Elbow Tenotomy
Symptoms of Elbow Problems
The symptoms of elbow problems may include:
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Severe pain
- Stiffness
- Deformity of the elbow
- Altered range of motion
- Discoloration, bruising, or redness
- A tight sensation in the area of the elbow
- A cut or open wound due to a traumatic injury
When do you Need Elbow Surgery?
Most elbow problems can be relieved with nonsurgical treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medications, brace, injections, and other conservative treatments. But your elbow condition may not improve after these treatments and may worsen.
You may need elbow surgery when nonsurgical treatments are not helping you. Surgery can help you reduce pain and restore elbow function.
Living in pain and discomfort is not worth it when you can get long-term relief with surgery and return to doing the things you love. If you’re experiencing severe pain that worsens with elbow movements, stiffness, and an altered range of motion, it may be time for elbow surgery.
The Elbow Center at Carolina Orthopaedic & Neurosurgical Associates has highly-trained physicians who are experienced in the treatments of the elbows. Our specially-trained physicians provide advanced treatment, including:
How to Prepare for Elbow Surgery
The first thing is to see your primary doctor to be sure that there are no other medical conditions that need to be addressed before your surgery. If you are taking any medications or supplements, inform your orthopedic surgeon because you may be asked to stop taking some of them before your surgery. Some of these medications can cause you to bleed during surgery.
Your orthopedic surgeon may call for blood tests, an electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, or a more extensive evaluation to safely perform your elbow surgery. Make sure to follow the instructions on when to stop eating or drinking before your surgery.
If you smoke, you may want to stop because smoking can slow your healing and recovery. Try to shed a few pounds if you’re overweight.
Take note of things you need to do post-surgery, especially the changes that you need to make at home. For example, what things can you carry without help, what exercises can help with recovery, how long you should stay off work, etc?
At Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA), our board-certified physicians can help you get back to the things you love as fast as possible. Click the button below today to book an appointment at one of our locations: