Expert Evaluation and Treatment for Elbow Pain, Injury, and Dysfunction
If it’s persistent pain on the outer side of your elbow, a sudden injury, or weakness interfering with your grip or arm motion, elbow problems can have a major impact on your daily life. From athletes and weekend warriors to older adults and professionals, elbow conditions affect people of all ages.
Below, you’ll find a helpful overview of common elbow issues, non-surgical solutions, and surgical options. For each condition, you can click through to a detailed page to learn more about symptoms, causes, and available treatments.
Common Elbow Problems
Elbow Bursitis
Elbow bursitis occurs when the fluid-filled sac (bursa) at the back of your elbow becomes irritated or inflamed. It can cause visible swelling, tenderness, and sometimes a soft lump. In many cases, it can be managed without surgery.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Often caused by repetitive gripping or lifting, tennis elbow results in pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Many cases can improve with a targeted five-minute-per-day exercise routine. Tennis Elbow Treatment Without Surgery >
Elbow Fracture
A broken elbow can affect the bone, cartilage, or soft tissue and may require surgical or non-surgical management depending on the type and severity. You’ve Broken Your Elbow. Here’s What Nobody Told You >
Elbow Replacement
Elbow joint replacement is less common than hip or knee replacement and is typically reserved for complex arthritis or fracture cases. Learn why elbow replacements are unique and how they are done. Why Elbow Replacements Are Not Like Other Joint Replacements >
Elbow Dislocation
A dislocated elbow can cause joint instability and damage surrounding ligaments. Returning to function often requires careful rehab—and sometimes resisting your natural instincts. Fighting Your Natural Instincts to Get An Elbow Dislocation Back to Normal >
Muscle Tear Around the Elbow
- A Sudden “Pop” in Your Elbow Should Not Be Ignored.
- When a Weak shoulder May Be a Sign of Deeper Problems
Nerve-Related Elbow Pain
Some elbow problems stem from nerve entrapment—particularly the ulnar nerve at the elbow. This can cause weakness, numbness, or tingling in the forearm and fingers. When a Nerve Injury Might Be the Source of Your Shoulder Pain and Weakness >
Non-Surgical Solutions to Elbow Injuries
Most elbow conditions can be treated without surgery—especially if diagnosed early. Dr. DiPaola emphasizes personalized care plans that may include physical therapy, activity modification, splints, and guided home exercise routines.
- Treating Tennis Elbow in 5 Minutes a Day WITHOUT Surgery
- Fighting Your Natural Instincts After an Elbow Dislocation
Elbow Surgeries
Elbow surgeries can be loosely grouped into open and arthroscopic techniques. I regularly perform both arthroscopic and open elbow surgery techniques and will tailor your treatment plan based upon a thorough evaluation of your medical condition and discussion with you.
Arthroscopic Elbow Surgery
- Treatment of Elbow Arthritis, Removal of Loose Bodies
- Treatment of Stiff Elbow (Osteocapsulectomy)
- Plica Removal
Open Elbow Surgery
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Surgery
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) Surgery
- Elbow Fracture Repair
- Elbow Dislocation Repair
- Lateral & Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction
- Total Elbow Replacement, Radial Head Replacement
- Biceps and Triceps Tendon Repair
- Ulnar Nerve and Radial Nerve Decompression or Transposition
- Surgery for Bone Spurs or Stiffness (Osteocapsulectomy)