Elbow Disorders Portland, OR
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Introduction
Whether rock-climbing, lifting gear, or simply opening a door, your elbow supports almost everything you do. When this joint becomes painful or restricted, it can impact both your lifestyle and livelihood.
Dr. Nathan Orvets serves in Portland and surrounding Oregon communities, providing high-level orthopedic care for a wide range of elbow disorders. His goal is to help patients recover with less pain, more mobility, and a swift return to their favorite activities.
Anatomy of the Elbow
The elbow connects the upper arm to the forearm and is composed of three bones: the humerus, radius, and ulna. It functions like a hinge while also allowing the forearm to rotate.
Surrounding the joint are tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles. These structures all work together to support precise, smooth motion. The elbow’s intricate design, however, makes it particularly vulnerable to injuries from overuse, repetitive motion, or impact.
Common Elbow Disorders
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
This nerve compression condition affects the ulnar nerve at the inner elbow, leading to tingling, weakness, or numbness in the fingers. Symptoms may worsen when the elbow is bent for long periods of time.
Treatment includes splinting, nerve-friendly posture changes, and physical therapy. Surgical decompression may be needed if nerve symptoms are persistent or worsening.
Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture
A tear of the distal biceps tendon can happen during a sudden, forceful pulling motion. Patients may hear a pop and experience swelling, weakness, and trouble rotating the forearm.
Surgical repair is often recommended, particularly for those who are physically active. Recovery includes bracing and targeted rehab to rebuild strength and flexibility.
Elbow Arthritis
Elbow arthritis involves cartilage loss within the joint, often due to aging or repetitive use. It leads to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Symptoms may worsen during daily tasks and physical activity.
Treatments range from conservative measures like physical therapy and medication to surgical interventions such as arthroscopy or elbow resurfacing.
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Triggered by repetitive wrist or arm motion, tennis elbow irritates the tendons along the outer elbow. It often results in aching discomfort, particularly when gripping, lifting, or turning objects.
Most patients respond to non-surgical care including rest, physical therapy, and ergonomic adjustments. In rare chronic cases, surgery may be considered.
Loose Bodies
Fragments of cartilage or bone may break loose within the elbow joint after trauma or joint degeneration. These can cause the elbow to catch, lock, or swell intermittently.
Arthroscopic procedures are commonly used to remove loose bodies and improve joint function. Recovery typically includes physical therapy to restore full mobility.
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
This condition arises from repeated stress to the wrist flexors, leading to inner elbow pain and tenderness. It’s often seen in athletes and workers who perform gripping or lifting movements regularly.
Treatment includes physical therapy, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory measures. Preventive approaches focus on strengthening and maintaining proper body mechanics.
Olecranon Fractures
Fractures at the tip of the elbow often result from a fall or direct blow. These injuries may limit the ability to extend the elbow and cause immediate pain and swelling.
Depending on the severity, surgery may be needed to realign and secure the bone. Postoperative care involves physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury
Frequent in baseball pitchers and overhead athletes, UCL injuries cause inner elbow pain and decreased stability. They typically result from repetitive stress during high-velocity arm movements.
Non-surgical treatment includes rest and strengthening, but surgical repair or ligament reconstruction may be necessary for high-demand athletes.
Treatment & Recovery
Successful management of elbow disorders depends on the severity and type of condition. Dr. Orvets emphasizes a personalized approach, combining non-surgical and surgical options for optimal outcomes.
- Non-Surgical Treatments: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, bracing, and physical therapy are often the first line of care for many elbow conditions.
- Surgical Treatments: Severe or persistent injuries may require surgical intervention. Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, may be used to treat some conditions.
- Rehabilitation and Prevention: Recovery plans focus on gradually restoring motion, strength, and flexibility. Preventive strategies include proper warm-ups before activities, ergonomic practices, and strengthening exercises for the forearm and elbow.
Elbow problems can sideline you from the activities you enjoy most, but with expert intervention, recovery is within reach. Dr. Nathan Orvets offers skilled diagnoses, modern treatments, and long-term solutions for elbow disorders in Portland. Whether you’re an athlete, worker, or weekend adventurer, his care can help you get back to the life you enjoy.