Elbow Specialist
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Thomas F. Saylor, M.D.
Board Certified Hand and Upper Extremity Orthopedic Surgeon & Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon located in North Palm Beach, FL
If you’re like most people, you probably pay little attention to your elbow joints until an issue arises, at which point you may be able to think of little else. At Orthopaedic Care Specialists in North Palm Beach, Florida, Thomas F. Saylor, MD, offers outstanding diagnostic and treatment services for the full scope of elbow conditions. Book an appointment online or by phone today to learn more and to explore options that can offer lasting relief from elbow pain.
Elbow Q & A
What causes elbow pain?
Your elbow is a hinge joint made of three bones held together with ligaments. The ends of those bones are covered with a rubbery tissue called cartilage, and a network of muscles, tendons, and nerves enable joint movement.
If any of these components becomes injured or damaged, significant joint pain can follow. Traumatic or sports injuries can lead to elbow pain, but repetitive stress is a more common issue.
Some of the causes of elbow pain include:
- Fracture
- Bursitis
- Sprains
- Strains
- Tendonitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Dislocation
- Nerve damage
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
Pain in your elbow might also be related to a condition in a nearby joint like your wrist or shoulder. This type of discomfort is known as referred pain and is resolved by treating the underlying condition.
When should I see a specialist for elbow pain?
If you’ve sustained a traumatic injury that causes severe elbow pain, you should seek medical attention right away. Immediate care is also essential in the event of a deformity in your elbow joint or a protruding bone.
If you experience significant swelling or bruising around your elbow or cannot bend your arm or turn your palm up and down, call Dr. Saylor at Orthopaedic Care Specialists to schedule an urgent care appointment. Same-day visits are usually available for these types of joint issues.
If your elbow pain is not severe, try resting the joint for a few days and using over-the-counter pain medication to address discomfort. Periodic icing can lessen pain and swelling, and wrapping your elbow with a compression bandage and elevating the joint can also be helpful.
If your symptoms don’t improve within a few days, or if they worsen in intensity, reach out to Orthopaedic Care Specialists to schedule a visit.
What types of treatments help with elbow pain?
Once Dr. Saylor determines the source of your elbow pain, he works with you to find a path toward relief. A broken bone often needs fracture fixation, also known as having your bone “set” and then placed in a splint or cast to immobilize the joint while healing moves forward. Bicep tendon injuries often go untreated and should be evaluated as soon as possible.
Tendon and ligament reconstruction can give your elbow the structural support it needs. Nerve decompression works to relieve pressure on the nerves of your elbow, which lessens pain.
In the event you need an elbow replacement, Dr. Saylor is fellowship-trained in complex elbow reconstruction techniques. Many elbow procedures can be done using arthroscopy, a minimally invasive technique that delivers results without the lengthy recovery time needed after open surgery.
Don’t live with ongoing or severe elbow pain when there are treatments that can help. Call Dr. Saylor at Orthopaedic Care Specialists today to book a visit, or spend a few moments using the online scheduling tool.
