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Elbow

Our elbow doctors at Sports Medicine North are the North Shore's recognized experts in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients’ elbow injuries and conditions.

The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the humerus bone of the upper arm to the radius and ulna bones of the lower arm through a complex system of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It allows for movement toward and away from the body while being able to bend, straighten, and twist. Because of these movements, the elbow joint is not as stable and can be prone to injury or damage. Elbow pain comes in many forms and can unfortunately affect people of all ages and lifestyles. Like other joints in the body, elbow pain can be the result of a fall or a sports-related injury, such as tennis elbow, or it can be from wear and tear over a period of time, like arthritis.

When It's Time to See an Elbow Doctor Near You

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is recommended that you contact a doctor to discuss available treatment options:

  • Aching pain
  • Bruising
  • Elbow pain when raising or extending your arm
  • Pinching sensation
  • Radiating pain from the shoulder through the elbow and into your wrist and hand
  • Sleep disruption due to throbbing pain
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Weakness in the wrist or hand

If you have any of these painful symptoms, it is important to make an appointment with an elbow specialist for assessment and diagnosis. Our doctors at Sports Medicine North provide treatments for a variety of elbow injuries and conditions.

Common injuries and conditions affecting the elbow that can be diagnosed and treated by our doctors and surgeons include:

  • Arthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Cubital tunnel syndrome
  • Dislocations
  • Distal tendon biceps rupture 
  • Fractures
  • Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Pinched nerve
  • Tendonitis
  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Ulnar collateral ligament injury

Some elbow injuries and conditions can be effectively treated through conservative techniques such as physical therapy, medication, exercise, ultrasounds, or injections. However, if conservative methods do not provide adequate relief and elbow surgery is absolutely necessary to ensure a complete recovery, our surgeons are able to offer the latest advancements in state-of-the-art elbow surgery that promotes an effective return to active living. Common surgical procedures performed by our surgeons include cubital tunnel release (for cubital tunnel syndrome); elbow replacement; medial epicondylectomy (for golfer’s elbow); biceps tendon repair surgery; and lateral epicondylitis debridement (for tennis elbow). Please be assured that, although highly skilled in using the latest surgical methods, our surgeons always consider using nonsurgical methods to restore your health first before moving forward with surgery.

Sports Medicine North’s orthopedic elbow specialists are dedicated to providing surgical and nonsurgical approaches to treating your acute and chronic elbow conditions. Our elbow specialists strive to offer the highest level of care that helps restore function, reduce discomfort, provide relief, and prevent further injury. 

To consult with an elbow doctor at Sports Medicine North, please request an appointment online or call (978) 818-6350. We have three offices conveniently located in Peabody, Beverly, and Newburyport.

Why Choose Sports Medicine North?

At Sports Medicine North, our fellowship-trained elbow surgeons, Eric Fu, M.D., Steven Mattheos, M.D., James D. O'Holleran, M.D., Jeffrey A. Polansky, M.D., and Peter M. Prokopis, M.D., have all completed additional training specifically in the elbow. With this advanced training, they all have the experience and expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat your elbow injuries or conditions. Additionally, our licensed physical therapists at Physical Therapy North work closely with our specialists and take a team approach to develop a treatment plan that is specialized to your individual needs.

To consult with one of our Sports Medicine North elbow doctors about your treatment options, please request an appointment online or call (978) 818-6350

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