Elbow - South Hills Orthopaedic Surgery Associates

Elbow Pain Can Sideline Anyone — Athletes, Office Workers, and Everyone in Between

The elbow is smaller than the knee or hip, but it's no less important, and no less treatable when something goes wrong.

You don’t have to play tennis to develop tennis elbow. You don’t have to be a professional pitcher to strain the UCL. Elbow conditions affect people of all ages and activity levels, from the desk worker who grips a mouse eight hours a day to the weekend golfer to the youth baseball pitcher pushing through arm soreness. At South Hills Orthopaedics, our specialists understand the full range of elbow pathology and know how to get you back to full function.

SOUND FAMILIAR?

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Tennis elbow is the most common elbow condition we treat, and the majority of people who have it don’t play tennis at all. An overuse injury involving the tendons attaching forearm extensor muscles to the outer bony prominence of the elbow. Repetitive gripping, twisting, typing, painting, and carpentry all place repetitive stress on these tendons. Hallmark: pain on the outside of the elbow worsening with gripping objects. Very successfully treated without surgery in the vast majority of cases.

Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)

Affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow controlling wrist flexion, primarily an overuse condition affecting carpenters, baseball players, racquet sport athletes, and people with repetitive forearm-intensive work. Highly responsive to physical therapy, activity modification, and targeted injections.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (Ulnar Nerve Compression)

The ulnar nerve travels through the cubital tunnel on the inner side of the elbow. Prolonged elbow bending causes nerve compression, resulting in numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, particularly at night. Mild cases managed conservatively; persistent or progressive nerve compression requires surgical decompression.

UCL Tear / Tommy John Injury

The ulnar collateral ligament is the primary stabilizer against overhead throwing forces, common in baseball pitchers and overhead athletes. Complete tears in competitive throwers typically require UCL reconstruction (‘Tommy John surgery’), with recovery taking 9–12 months and excellent return-to-sport outcomes.

Olecranon Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa over the bony elbow tip (from a direct blow, prolonged pressure, or infection) producing characteristic ‘golf ball’ swelling. Non-infectious bursitis managed conservatively; infected bursitis requires antibiotics and sometimes surgical drainage.

Elbow Arthritis

Typically from prior injury or heavy loading, causes pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion. Often managed successfully for many years with conservative treatment. Advanced cases may benefit from arthroscopic debridement or total elbow replacement.

Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture

A sudden forced extension of a flexed elbow causes an immediate ‘pop,’ bruising, and significant weakness. In active patients, surgical reattachment within the first few weeks produces significantly better functional outcomes than non-surgical management.

Little Leaguer's Elbow (Medial Apophysitis)

In skeletally immature throwing athletes (typically 9–15 years old), repetitive throwing stress can injure a growth center on the inner elbow. Managed with rest from throwing, PT, and a carefully supervised return-to-throwing program.

CONSERVATIVE TREATMENTS

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

For tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, eccentric tendon loading exercises combined with manual therapy and activity modification are highly effective. For cubital tunnel syndrome, nerve gliding exercises and postural correction are central to the program.

PRP Therapy

For chronic tennis or golfer’s elbow not responding to PT and injections, PRP therapy has among the strongest evidence in orthopedic regenerative medicine for stimulating tendon healing.

Bracing

Counterforce brace for tennis/golfer’s elbow; elbow pad for olecranon bursitis prevention; night splints for cubital tunnel syndrome, all effective components of conservative management.

Corticosteroid Injections

Precisely placed for lateral and medial epicondylitis, olecranon bursitis, and elbow arthritis, providing rapid anti-inflammatory relief. Used selectively for tendon conditions, as repeated injections can be detrimental to tendon tissue over time.

Activity Modification

Identifying and modifying the activity driving symptoms is essential for both treatment and prevention, technique, workstation, training load, and daily habits adjusted to minimize stress on affected structures.

SURGICAL OPTIONS

Lateral Epicondyle Release (Tennis Elbow Surgery)

For the small minority not improving after 6–12 months of thorough conservative treatment. Performed arthroscopically or through a small open incision; both produce excellent outcomes. The vast majority achieve complete or near-complete pain resolution.

Cubital Tunnel Release / Ulnar Nerve Transposition

In- situ decompression or anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve, highly effective outpatient procedure for cubital tunnel syndrome not responding to conservative measures.

UCL Reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery)

Replaces the torn UCL with a tendon graft to restore elbow stability. Structured 9–12 month rehabilitation; majority of competitive pitchers return to prior level of sport.

Fracture Repair (ORIF) & Dislocation Reduction

Displaced elbow fractures repaired with plates and screws. Elbow dislocations reduced under sedation; complex fracture-dislocations may require surgical stabilization.

Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

Early reattachment (within 2–3 weeks of injury) restores full elbow flexion and supination strength with significantly better outcomes than delayed or non-surgical management.

Elbow Arthroscopy & Debridement

Removes bone spurs, loose bodies, and inflamed tissue from the elbow joint, addressing mechanical causes of pain and restricted motion through small incisions with early return to motion.

Elbow Bothering You? Don't Wait It Out.

Many elbow conditions worsen with neglect. Early, targeted treatment gets faster results.

FAQ

Why do I have tennis elbow if I don't play tennis?

‘Tennis elbow’ is simply the common name for lateral epicondylitis, an overuse tendon condition caused by any repetitive activity involving gripping, twisting, or extending the wrist and forearm. Painters, plumbers, carpenters, office workers, cooks, and musicians all develop tennis elbow regularly.

How long does tennis elbow take to heal?

With appropriate treatment, most tennis elbow cases improve significantly within 3–6 months. The key elements are activity modification, a proper PT program (particularly eccentric exercises), and patience, tendon healing is slower than muscle healing. Stubborn cases often respond very well to PRP therapy.

What is cubital tunnel syndrome and is it the same as carpal tunnel?

Both are nerve compression conditions but involve different nerves. Carpal tunnel affects the median nerve at the wrist (thumb/index/middle finger numbness). Cubital tunnel affects the ulnar nerve at the elbow (ring/little finger numbness). Both are very treatable with appropriate conservative and surgical management when needed.

What is Tommy John surgery and who needs it?

Tommy John surgery is UCL reconstruction, replacing the torn UCL with a tendon graft. Primarily performed on competitive overhead throwing athletes whose UCL has completely torn and who need to return to throwing at a competitive level. Recovery takes 9–12 months. Many UCL sprains in non-elite athletes can be managed non-surgically.

Sudden swelling and a 'pop' in my elbow: what should I do?

Sudden swelling following a ‘pop’ or direct injury warrants prompt evaluation, you may have a fracture, ligament injury, tendon rupture, or dislocation. Call our office for an urgent appointment, or seek emergency evaluation if there is significant deformity, inability to move the joint, or signs of nerve or vascular compromise.

Expert Care You Can Trust

Meet the Team

Our experienced team is here to provide top-notch orthopaedic care tailored to your needs.

Dr. Smith specializes in joint replacement and sports injuries. He is dedicated to helping patients regain mobility and comfort.

Dr. Doe focuses on rehabilitation strategies, ensuring patients recover effectively and return to their routines.

Dr. Brown specializes in sports medicine, providing tailored treatment for athletes of all levels.

Dr. Green helps patients manage chronic pain through comprehensive assessments and individualized plans.

Dr. White supports patients through their rehabilitation journey, ensuring they achieve their goals.

Dr. Black focuses on facilitating safe and effective surgical interventions for optimal patient outcomes.

Dr. Rose is dedicated to enhancing patients’ quality of life through expertise in joint replacement surgeries.

Dr. Blue assists in surgical procedures, ensuring the highest standards of patient care and coordination.

What Our Patients Say

Hear from our patients about their experiences with us!

"The care I received was top-notch. My surgery went smoothly, and the recovery process was well supported. I can truly say I’m back to my favorite activities thanks to the team!"

Sarah Thompson

Marketing Manager | ABC Corp

"I was impressed with the thorough care I received. The staff was friendly, and the physical therapy really helped with my recovery. I feel stronger than ever!"

John Davis

Teacher | Local School

"From the first consultation to my post-op follow-ups, the attention to detail was outstanding. I felt supported at every stage of my treatment!"

Emily Johnson

Software Engineer | Tech Solutions

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Are you ready to take the next step towards better health? Our team is here to provide you with expert orthopaedic care and personalized treatment plans. We are dedicated to helping you manage pain and improve your mobility with the best possible strategies. Reach out today to see how we can support your journey to recovery!