The Hand and Upper Extremity Center
Elbow Conditions
Arthritis
Illness that can cause pain and swelling in the joints.
Symptoms (vary depending on the type of arthritis)
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Pain
- Decreased grip strength
- Bump formation
Diagnosis
- Patient history
- Physical examination
- Pressure and movement tests
- X-ray
Treatment
- Pain medication, topical agents, splinting, injections, therapy, and surgery
- Common surgical procedures include:
- Removal of arthritic bone
- Joint reconstruction
- Bone fusion
- Bone realignment
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
A condition caused by pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow resulting in numbness, tingling, and pain in the elbow, forearm, hand, and/or fingers. This is the same nerve which causes the pain when you hit your funny bone.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness while pinching
- Tendency to drop things
Diagnosis
- Physical Examination: Examining muscle weakness, nerve sensitivity, and changes in sensation
- Nerve conduction study
Treatment
- Therapy: Learn ways to avoid pressure on the nerve
- Surgery
Dislocation
Two bones at a joint become displaced, misaligned or separated.
Symptoms
- Visibly out-of-place
- Discoloring
- Limited movement
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Intense Pain
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- X-ray
Treatment
- Splinting
- Joint realignment
- Surgery
Fracture
Break or crack in a bone.
Symptoms
- Visibly out-of-place
- Limited movement
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Intense Pain
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- X-ray
Treatment
- Restoring the fractured pieces of bone to their natural positions and splinting or casting the bone to ensure the bone remains in the correct position during the healing process
Golfer's Elbow
Pain and inflammation on the inner side of your elbow, where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump.
Symptoms
- Pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Numbness
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- Medical history
Treatment
- Ice compresses
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory
- Pain medications
- Stretching and strengthen exercises
Tennis Elbow
Pain and soreness on the outside of your elbow, caused by overuse of the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow.
Symptoms
- Soreness or pain on the outer part of the elbow.
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Numbness
Diagnosis
- Patient history
- Physical examination
Treatment
- Rest
- Supportive brace
- Pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Apply an ice pack to the area
For more details on The Hand and Upper Extremity Center at Geauga Medical Center or for a physician referral please call 440-285-7757.