Elbow
Orthopedic Treatment for Elbow Pain & Elbow Injuries in Iowa
Elbow pain makes everyday activities like lifting groceries, turning a doorknob, throwing a ball, or even shaking hands painful.
At Iowa Specialty Orthopedics, our orthopedic elbow specialists diagnose and treat elbow pain, elbow injuries, arthritis, tendon problems, nerve conditions, and fractures. We provide personalized care to help relieve pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy.
Because the elbow is used throughout the day, it is vulnerable to overuse injuries, sports injuries, falls, work-related strain, and age-related wear and tear.
Our orthopedic team will identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend the treatment that best fits your needs.
Schedule an Appointment Online Or Call: 515-955-6767
What Causes Elbow Pain?
Elbow pain can develop suddenly after an injury or gradually from repeated movement.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive lifting, gripping, or twisting
- Sports such as tennis, golf, baseball, and weightlifting
- Falls or direct injuries
- Arthritis
- Tendon inflammation (tendonitis)
- Nerve compression
- Fractures or dislocations
- Overuse from work or hobbies
Many elbow problems begin with small injuries that worsen over time if left untreated.
Common Elbow Conditions We Treat
The elbow is a hinge joint where the upper arm bone (humerus) meets the two forearm bones (radius and ulna). Bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and nerves all work together to allow your arm to bend, straighten, lift, and rotate.
Many elbow conditions cause similar symptoms, but each requires a different treatment approach. Our orthopedic providers diagnose the exact cause of your pain before creating your care plan.
| Elbow Condition | Common Symptoms | Possible Treatment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) | Pain on the outside of the elbow, weaker grip, pain with lifting | Rest, physical therapy, bracing, medication, injections, surgery if needed |
| Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) | Pain on the inside of the elbow, tenderness, weakness | Activity changes, physical therapy, bracing, injections, surgery if needed |
| Elbow arthritis | Pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced motion | Medication, physical therapy, injections, joint surgery |
| Elbow bursitis | Swelling behind the elbow, tenderness, redness | Rest, aspiration, medication, antibiotics if infected, surgery when necessary |
| Cubital tunnel syndrome | Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers, hand weakness | Bracing, physical therapy, activity changes, nerve release surgery |
| Elbow fracture | Severe pain, swelling, bruising, inability to move the elbow | Splinting, casting, fracture repair surgery |
| Elbow dislocation | Visible deformity, severe pain, swelling, limited movement | Joint reduction, bracing, physical therapy, surgery if needed |
| Tendon or ligament injuries | Pain, weakness, instability, limited movement | Physical therapy, bracing, injections, surgical repair if necessary |
When Should You See an Orthopedic Elbow Specialist?
Some minor elbow injuries improve with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medicine. However, ongoing pain should not be ignored.
You should schedule an appointment if you have:
- Elbow pain that lasts more than several days
- Pain that gets worse over time
- Swelling or warmth around the joint
- Weakness when lifting or gripping
- Numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers
- Difficulty fully bending or straightening your elbow
- Pain that affects work, sports, or daily activities
- Pain after a fall or accident
Seek emergency care if your elbow looks deformed, you cannot move your arm, or you believe you may have a broken bone.
Nonsurgical Elbow Pain Treatment
Many elbow conditions improve without surgery.
Our orthopedic specialists often begin with conservative treatment whenever appropriate.
Treatment may include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice and compression
- Braces or elbow straps
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
These treatments often help reduce pain, improve movement, and allow the elbow to heal naturally.
Elbow Surgery & Advanced Orthopedic Care
If nonsurgical treatment does not provide enough relief or the injury is severe, surgery may be recommended.
Depending on your condition, surgical options may include:
Tennis or Golfer's Elbow Surgery
Damaged tendon tissue is repaired or removed to reduce pain and restore function.
Cubital Tunnel Release
This procedure relieves pressure on the ulnar nerve to reduce numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
Elbow Fracture Repair
Broken bones may be repaired with plates, screws, or pins to restore proper alignment and healing.
Elbow Arthroscopy
This minimally invasive procedure uses a small camera and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat problems inside the elbow joint through very small incisions.
Expert Orthopedic Elbow Care in Iowa
Our orthopedic team proudly serves patients in Fort Dodge, Mason City, and surrounding Iowa communities. We provide expert diagnosis and treatment for elbow pain, sports injuries, arthritis, fractures, tendon injuries, nerve conditions, and other elbow problems.
If your pain started after an injury or developed over time, we're here to help you find relief and regain function.
