At Dines Orthopedics, with locations in NYC, we have decades of experience dealing with all types of joint and orthopedic-related impairments. Now that Spring is in full swing, Summer is around the corner, and we have newfound freedom that some of us didn’t have in the last two years. We expect there to be more sports-related injuries this Summer. Nonetheless, we will be fully equipped and prepared to tackle any sports-related injuries you may sustain this Summer. One common injury we recommend you pay extra close attention to in the coming months is an injury sustained on your elbow. Our elbow specialist UES NYC knows how fundamental your elbows are to even the simplest of activities, and without the proper use of them, life would become extremely difficult. Here are some common elbow injuries to look out for this Summer.
Distal Bicep Tendonitis
Distal Bicep Tendonitis is mostly a gym-related injury. While exercise is certainly crucial for the body and psyche, an overabundance of it can, in turn, lead to things like DBT. An overabundance of pressure being applied to the bicep can cause the tendon to swell. Bicep curls and pull-ups on a bar over a long period of time with little breaks in between can lead to sharp pains at the front of the elbow, pain and weakness all around that area, and sore spots just below the bicep.
The main difference between Distal Bicep Tendonitis and Tennis Elbow is simply the location of the pain. With Tennis Elbow, the pain can be located at the tip of the outside of the elbow, whereas with DBT is more in the center. It’s difficult to determine which one of these you may have sustained, given they both have similar symptoms and are simply a matter of location. It’s highly recommended to get an MRI to determine this. Unfortunately, DPT does not heal on its own. Fortunately, our elbow specialist UES NYC has all the essentials for the DBT procedure. After the procedure, we will provide you with a brace to wear for approximately six weeks.
Medial Epicondylitis
Medial Epicondylitis or “Golfer’s Elbow” is an impairment that causes significant discomfort to the tendons of your forearm. If left untreated, the pain can spread to your forearm and wrist. Similar to Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow is not only limited to those who play Golf. Symptoms of Medial Epicondylitis include pain and discomfort on the inner side of your elbow and, in some cases, the inner side of your forearm. The pain can increase depending on the position of the elbow. Other symptoms can include:
- Stiffness.
- Weakness in the hands and wrist.
- A numbing and tingling sensation in the fingers.
Like DBT, Medial Epicondylitis is caused by wear and tear from improper lifting and improper techniques used to play sports over long periods. Not all cases of ME require surgery or physical therapy to recover. Another alternative that our elbow specialist UES NYC can offer to alleviate ME symptoms is cortisone injections, which should only be used sparingly as they can contain side effects of their own. If these injections are unsuccessful, surgery and/or physical therapy are strongly recommended.
Bursitis
Elbow Bursitis is when the olecranon bursa or the fleshy sac at the end of the tip of the elbow suddenly becomes inflamed. The purpose of the bursa is to supply cushioning between the bones and the soft tissue. More liquid can pour into the sac if the bursa becomes infected and/or inflamed. Elbow Bursitis can be caused by a hard blow to the elbow, either from a sports-related injury or an on-the-job injury. It can also be caused by leaning on this part of the elbow for long periods, for example, leaning it on a hard surface like a desk or a tabletop, or if you’re in construction or a profession that requires you to be on your hands and knees a lot of the time.
The main symptoms of Elbow Bursitis mainly include swelling in the sac area due to liquid building up, which can cause significant pain. Other symptoms include a general redness and warmth in that area. If you’re struggling with EB this Summer, we can provide elbow pads which can be beneficial. Other alternatives include simple anti-inflammatory medication, which can reduce swelling.
Contact Our Elbow Specialist UES NYC
If you have any questions regarding any of these impairments, their causes, or the treatments we can offer for them, please visit our website or give us a call at 516-482-1037.