Elbow pain

Our specialists address a wide range of injuries and functional issues affecting the elbow, using innovative diagnostics, therapies, and surgical techniques to determine root causes, eliminate pain, and restore mobility.

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Elbow pain relief hinges on comprehensive care

The elbow is a joint made up of the upper arm (humerus) and forearm (ulna and radius) that allows us to flex and extend the arms and rotate the palms. Its complexity makes the elbow vulnerable to pain from inflammation or injury brought on by repetitive daily activities, sports, or age-related changes.

The Penn Orthopaedics team is committed to reducing or eliminating elbow pain and restoring optimal joint function. We offer extensive expertise in nonsurgical and surgical treatment for every type of elbow condition. Our integrated approach to care considers all aspects of your lifestyle, personal needs, and treatment goals.

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Elbow conditions we treat

A joint venture for elbow pain relief

When you choose Penn Medicine for elbow pain treatment, you tap into an extensive network of experts who are rigorously trained in the latest protocols and have access to advanced research and leading-edge technologies. Your care team may include elbow specialists from various disciplines, including orthopaedic surgery, sports medicine, physical therapy, radiology, rheumatology, infectious diseases,  vascular medicine, microvascular surgery, neuro-orthopaedics, and pain management. They work collaboratively to diagnose your elbow condition, formulate a treatment plan, and support your recovery.

Elbow pain treatments tailored to you

Our elbow specialists are highly skilled in the latest nonsurgical and surgical treatments and will work with you to determine your best course of action for you.

In most cases, conservative treatments will be offered first to relieve elbow pain and improve function. This may include some combination of activity modification or immobilization, icing or heating, pain or anti-inflammatory medications, injections, shock wave therapy, or physical therapy. If nonsurgical treatments aren’t effective, then surgery may be considered.

We offer expertise in all types of elbow surgery, ranging from common to complex revision surgery. Our elbow surgeons have deep experience in minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques, tendon and ligament reconstruction such as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury repair/reconstruction (Tommy John surgery), and total elbow replacement.

Our proactive programs in rehabilitation and pain management help you focus on restoring and enhancing quality of life after surgery. Recognizing that pain management is key to better outcomes, we offer effective alternatives to opioids for elbow pain relief via a combination of physical therapy, corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory medications, behavioral and cognitive therapy, and other strategies customized to your medical needs and lifestyle goals.

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Get your elbow back in full swing with Sports Medicine at Penn

Sidelined by elbow overuse or injury? The Penn Sports Medicine Program helps athletes of all ages and abilities resume their favorite activities.

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Trauma and fracture care

Broken bones need specialized care. As the largest and most complete orthopaedic trauma program in the region, we handle treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation for all types of musculoskeletal fractures and injuries.

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Our doctors

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Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.

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