Services / Elbow Disorders

Your elbow is a complex joint susceptible to conditions and disorders that affect structure and function. The Cascade Orthopaedics team in Auburn and Bonney Lake, Washington, specializes in diagnosing and treating elbow disorders. To get help for your elbow condition, call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.

What are elbow disorders?

Elbow disorders include any injury or medical condition that affects the normal function of this flexible joint. The team specializes in treating all types of elbow disorders, including:

Cubital tunnel syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome is a nerve condition that occurs from the compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel in your elbow. With cubital tunnel syndrome, you may have numbness, tingling, or pain in your hand, fingers, or forearm. 

Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, occurs from overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm and elbow. This condition primarily affects the lateral epicondyle, the tendon on the outside of your elbow.

Golfer’s elbow

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, causes pain on the inside of the elbow that radiates to the wrist. Like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the tendon.

Bursitis

Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa sacs that act as a cushion between the soft tissue and bones in the elbow.

Elbow fractures

Elbow fractures require expert orthopaedic care, including surgical interventions to keep the bones in place during the healing process.

Dislocation

Dislocation of the elbow joint, also known as a nursemaid’s elbow, is a common elbow disorder that may loosen the ligaments that hold the joint in place.

What happens during an elbow disorder evaluation?

Your doctor performs a comprehensive history and physical when you come in with signs of an elbow disorder. They review your symptoms, including where you feel the pain and the types of activities that make it worse.

They also check medical history and usual activities and examines the elbow. Cascade Orthopaedics has on-site imaging, which the team uses to confirm or rule out the cause of your elbow problem.

What are some of the treatment options for elbow disorders?

Treatment for elbow disorders depends on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms. Cascade Orthopaedics customizes your treatment plan to ensure you get the best results.

Treatment for elbow disorders may include:

• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Bracing or splinting
• Physical therapy
• Joint injections

When necessary, your doctor may recommend surgery to treat your elbow disorder. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic tools and techniques to reduce postsurgical pain and recovery time. 

For cubital tunnel syndrome, the team at Cascade Orthopaedics may perform a nerve decompression procedure, removing pressure from the nerve to ease symptoms.

For help with your elbow disorder, call Cascade Orthopaedics, or schedule an appointment online today.