Most elbow pain occurs because of overuse. In many cases, elbow pain occurs in athletes, but it can affect anyone who makes repetitive movements. Some common causes of elbow pain are:

Golfer’s elbow

Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons attached to your inner elbow. Usually, pain occurs there, but it may also affect the forearm and wrist. 

Golfer’s elbow frequently affects golfers because the sport requires a lot of forearm muscle use, particularly gripping and swinging movements that can cause tendon irritation and tears.

Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow affects the tendons attached to your outer elbow. It causes outer elbow pain, which frequently radiates into the forearm and wrist areas as well. 

Tennis elbow often affects tennis players because the sport requires repetitive forearm muscle use. This level of muscle use pressures the tendons and can cause inflammation and tears. 

Ligament sprains

Your elbow has many support ligaments, and a sprain — a stretch or tear — may occur in any of them. The most common ligament injury in the elbow is the so-called Tommy John injury, which affects the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). 

This UCL sprain causes inner elbow pain and may severely disrupt movement. Tommy John injuries often occur in athletes who make overhead motions like baseball players. The nickname for ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction refers to major league pitcher Tommy John, who was the first to undergo the procedure in the mid-1970s.

A number of other conditions may cause elbow pain, including dislocations, fractures, and nerve impingement. Dr. Golan can skillfully evaluate your symptoms to find your specific cause of elbow pain.

If your elbow pain prevents you from performing at your best, book an elbow pain assessment with Dr. Golan right away. Never push through a sports injury because continued activity can turn a minor issue into a severe one.

Of course, your day-to-day activities matter too. If you experience frequent discomfort during routine activities or even hesitate to use your arm normally because of elbow pain, it’s time to get medical attention. 

Dr. Golan may prescribe nonsurgical care, including activity changes, physical therapy, immobilization, and other pain-relieving options as initial elbow pain solutions. If nonoperative treatments don't work, Dr. Golan can perform elbow surgery. 

He's an elbow surgery specialist who uses a variety of advanced minimally invasive techniques to remove damaged tissue, repair tendons, and even reconstruct ligaments using tissue grafts. 

Dr. Golan prescribes individualized elbow pain plans that focus on your personal needs and the demands of your sport. He guides you through a safe recovery until you’re ready to return to normal activity. 

Elbow pain treatment can help you move your arm without fear, so call Elan Golan, MD, or use the online booking tool to arrange an appointment now.