Elbow Treatments And Conditions Poulsbo

As the connection from hand to body, the elbow is internally intricate. It is both a ball-and-socket joint as well as a hinge joint, making it infinitely more complex than the average body part. 

Continue reading to learn more about the elbow conditions we treat here at OPA Ortho or use the contact form on our homepage to request an appointment.

Types of Elbow Conditions

The elbow is used thousands of times throughout a single day, making it one of the most crucial joints in your body. Elbow pain and the conditions that cause it can quickly affect your quality of life, which is why we treat the following elbow conditions at our Poulsbo clinic:

Arthritis

The most common type of arthritis in the elbow is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is when the elbow joint experiences abnormal swelling. This swelling is caused by the immune system attacking an otherwise healthy joint’s tissues.

Another frequent type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by a stiff and painful elbow. It is caused by the cartilage that cushions the joint wearing down.

Tendonitis

Muscles are attached to the bones via tendons. When these are overused or overstretched, they may incur damage known as tendonitis.

Playing sports such as tennis or golf, or playing a musical instrument such as the violin, can result in tendonitis. For elbow tendonitis treatment, please reach out to our elbow conditions clinic in Poulsbo.

Distal Bicep Tendon Tear or Rupture

When the tendon connecting the main arm muscle — the bicep — to the forearm is damaged or ruptured, it can affect the elbow underneath it.

This condition happens due to an accident or sudden tear. If you experience pain in the arm or elbow, hear a popping noise, or cannot naturally twist or bend your arm, you may have this condition and should seek medical assistance immediately.

Fractures

When the arm breaks, it can lead to a fracture in the elbow. These must be treated quickly or the damage may be long-lasting or even permanent.

Fractures can be large — usually resulting from an accident — or hairline. Hairline fractures can appear from general overuse, but should still be treated immediately.

Sports Injuries

Repetitive motions are often the reason for elbow conditions developing, such as tennis elbow. If you notice recurring pain, especially after a sports session, it is imperative you seek treatment.

Sports or activities that lead to elbow issues include tennis, golf, baseball, and playing a musical instrument.

Growth Plate Injuries

This type of elbow condition affects children. As with the previous conditions, if a child overuses their elbow it could result in growth plate injuries.

The growth plates are the areas on the edges of a child’s bones that are used by the bones as the child grows.

Issues with the growth plate cannot be left untreated. If ignored, it could lead to development problems and long-term complications.

Loose Bodies

If tiny pieces of bone or cartilage have separated and are now freely floating within the elbow, you may notice extra stiffness or a locked feeling. You may even be able to feel the loose pieces moving around.

Ulnar Conditions

There are two main conditions involving the ulnar area.

First, if the ulnar collateral ligament — the ligaments holding the arm bones together — are torn, the elbow can feel loose and painful.

The second condition is ulnar nerve entrapment. Should the ulnar nerve, which connects your neck with your hand, become pinched or irritated by the elbow joint, it could become extremely painful.

Elbow Treatment in the Poulsbo Area

OPA Ortho provides both short- and long-term treatment to elbow conditions. Our local experts include both therapists and surgeons who can provide:

• Inflammation and pain-relief injections
• Physical therapy
• Fracture treatment
• Loose body treatment/removal
• Ulnar nerve treatments
• Arthroscopic surgery

Should you experience any recurring irritation, discomfort, or pain, such as the conditions listed above, please contact us at Orthopedic Physicians Association (OPA) located here in Poulsbo.

Other Locations We Serve:

Northgate | Kirkland | Bellevue | Burien | West Seattle | Lynnwood | Redmond | Renton | Seattle | Shoreline | Sammamish