elbow and shoulder pain

Elbow and shoulder pain can have multiple causes. Injury, wear and tear, and other health conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause various symptoms of pain, stiffness, aches, and more in elbows and shoulders. Due to their heavy use in every day life, shoulder pain is very common. Repetitive actions, sports, work, and hobbies can create discomfort in the upper body, but WellSpan Orthopedics experts are available to help.  

Request an Appointment: 1-800-598-5096

 

If you're experiencing the following: 

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Difficulty gripping 
• Bruising
• Difficulty extending or flexing arm
• Weakness in arm 
• Crackling or popping sounds when moving

You may have one of these conditions:

• Tennis elbow
• Golfer's elbow
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Elbow bursitis
• Rotator cuff tear 
• Tendinitis
• Shoulder dislocation
• Arthritis 

 

Common Treatments

elbow and shoulder treatment
In addition to rest, ice therapy, and compression, your physician may recommend the following treatment options for common injuries:
Treatments
• Physical therapy
• Injections such as steroid and platelet-rich plasma
• NSAIDS pain relievers 
• Relative rest 
• Bracing or splinting 
• Activity modification 
• Surgery 

Request an Appointment: 1-800-598-5096

Common Surgeries

Shoulder and elbow injuries may require surgical treatment either as an outpatient or inpatient procedure, such as:
Surgeries

Elbow

Elbow arthroscopy

Used to treat joint issues, this procedure involves using a small camera inserted in the elbow joint to guide a surgeon's use of miniature surgical instruments. Due to the ability to make smaller incisions, this procedure is considered less painful for patients, results in less joint stiffness, and has a shorter recovery time.

Bicep tendon repair

Your surgeon will repair the torn tendon in your bicep (the muscle located in the front of your upper arm) to return arm strength to normal or near-normal levels. For the best results, this surgery is best performed within the first three weeks of injury.

Ulnar nerve transposition

This surgery is performed to relieve pressure on one of the three main nerves (ulnar) in the arm. The nerve is moved to a better position where it will not be irritated or compressed. 


Shoulder

Shoulder replacement
For severe cases, total shoulder replacement can be the best option for joint pain. This procedure replaces damaged areas of the shoulder joint with artificial parts. You may be a candidate for shoulder replacement surgery if you’ve experienced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or a badly broken shoulder bone. 
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery

Used to treat joint issues, this procedure involves using a small camera inserted in the shoulder joint to guide a surgeon's use of miniature surgical instruments. Due to the ability to make smaller incisions, this procedure is considered less painful for patients, results in less joint stiffness, and has a shorter recovery time.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Rotator cuff repair surgery repairs torn tendons in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help the arm move without pain. Torn tendons can result from overuse, injury, or age.


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Center of Excellence

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WellSpan Orthopedics is Pennsylvania's first and only DNV Orthopedic Center of Excellence.
What Does This Mean for You?
The DNV Orthopedic Center of Excellence designation is obtained by achieving advanced certification in at least three (3) advanced orthopedic programs. Achieving designation validates an organization’s excellence in orthopedic care, from diagnosis to treatment, rehabilitation, education, and outcomes. 

The DNV advanced orthopedic requirements are informed by the guidelines and recommendations of organizations such as the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the ERAS® Society, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and relevant requirements of the CMS Conditions of Participation for Hospitals.

WellSpan Orthopedics' combination of the right equipment, skilled providers and staff, and specialty training come together to provide the highest level of orthopedic services! 

Request an Appointment: 1-800-598-5096