Elbow Pain & Injury Care
From tennis elbow at the desk to a torn UCL on the mound, elbow problems limit work and sport. Most improve with focused non-surgical care. When they don't, we offer the full range of elbow surgery.
Signs your elbow needs attention
If any of these last more than a couple of weeks, or started with a specific injury, an evaluation can find the cause before a small problem becomes a bigger one.
- Pain on the outside or inside of the elbow when gripping
- A pop and bruising at the front of the elbow
- Pain on the inner elbow when throwing
- Numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers
- Swelling, locking or loss of motion
- Weakness turning a doorknob or screwdriver
Common elbow conditions
Sports & overuse injuries
Tennis elbow
Lateral epicondylitis: irritated tendons on the outside of the elbow from repeated gripping.
Golfer's elbow
Medial epicondylitis: the same overuse problem on the inside of the elbow.
UCL injury (Tommy John)
Damage to the inner elbow ligament in pitchers and other overhead athletes.
Distal biceps tear
The biceps tendon pulls off the forearm bone, causing a pop, bruising and weak twisting strength.
Elbow sports injuries
Strains, sprains and overuse conditions in throwing, racquet and lifting sports.
Trauma & chronic conditions
Elbow fracture
Breaks around the elbow from falls on an outstretched arm or collisions.
Elbow dislocation
The joint is forced out of place, often with ligament damage.
Ulnar nerve compression
Cubital tunnel syndrome: numbness and tingling in the ring and small fingers.
Elbow arthritis & stiffness
Worn joint surfaces or scar tissue that limit bending and straightening.
Keep a small problem small
Surgery isn't always the answer. Most patients get better with physical therapy, bracing, medication or injections, and we try those first. When surgery will clearly help, we use minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques, and we decide on the plan together with you.
Physical therapy
Targeted strengthening and mobility work, coordinated with your therapist.
Bracing & activity changes
Support and a modified routine while the tissue heals.
Joint injections
Anti-inflammatory injections into the joint to calm pain so rehab can work.
Elbow procedures
- Elbow arthroscopyCamera-guided surgery to remove loose bodies, bone spurs and scar tissue.
- Tennis & golfer's elbow releaseRemoves damaged tendon tissue when months of non-surgical care haven't worked.
- UCL reconstructionTommy John surgery using a tendon graft to rebuild the ligament.
- Distal biceps repairReattaches the torn tendon to the forearm bone.
- Fracture repairFixes broken bones with pins, plates or screws.
- Ulnar nerve decompressionCubital tunnel release to take pressure off the nerve.
- Elbow stabilizationRepairs or reconstructs ligaments after dislocation.
Elbow questions
Will my tennis elbow go away on its own?
Most cases improve with rest from the aggravating activity, bracing, stretching and strengthening. Surgery is considered only when symptoms last many months despite good non-surgical care.
Is a biceps tear at the elbow urgent?
Yes. A complete distal biceps tear is best repaired within a few weeks, before the tendon scars and retracts. If you felt a pop and see bruising at the front of the elbow, call us promptly.
Can pitchers return after Tommy John surgery?
Many do. Return to throwing follows a structured program that usually takes about a year.
What causes numbness in my small finger?
Pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome) is a common cause. Avoiding long periods with the elbow bent often helps. Persistent numbness or weakness may need nerve decompression.
Daniel Feghhi, MD, FAAOS
Having undergone many orthopedic procedures himself, Dr. Feghhi understands the patient experience and strives to restore an active lifestyle for every patient.
Ready to get moving again?
Request an appointment at any of our six New Jersey offices. Our team will call you back to confirm a time.