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Are Your Symptoms Affecting Your Quality Of Life?
Consult our MOH-accredited elbow specialist for an accurate diagnosis & personalised treatment plan.
Elbow Specialist In Singapore With 15+ Years of Experience
Dr Dennis Ng is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic elbow specialist in Singapore who is experienced in diagnosing and treating elbow pain and injuries.
He specialises in minimally invasive keyhole and knotless repair techniques for elbow conditions. Consult Dr Dennis Ng today for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
Dr Dennis Ng Zhaowen
Symptoms of Elbow Pain
Elbow pain can appear in various ways, indicating various underlying conditions. Here are some common symptoms of elbow pain:
- Pain and Tenderness
Pain in the elbow can vary from a mild ache to sharp, severe discomfort. It often occurs when bending or straightening the elbow and can also be felt when lifting objects. The area around the elbow may feel tender and sensitive to touch. - Swelling and Redness
Swelling around the elbow may indicate inflammation or injury. Redness or warmth over the affected area often accompanies swelling, suggesting an inflammatory process or infection. - Stiff Elbows
Stiffness in the elbow joint can make it difficult to extend or flex the arm fully. This is often more noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Reduced movement can hinder daily activities and decrease overall mobility. - Numbness or Tingling Sensations
Numbness or tingling in the forearm, hand, or fingers is usually linked to nerve issues. These sensations can vary in intensity and are often described as pins and needles. - Locking or Catching Sensation
Some people may hear a clicking sound or feel the elbow locking or catching during movement. This can indicate joint issues, such as cartilage damage or loose pieces within the joint.
Common Elbow Conditions We Treat
Some of the most common conditions we treat are:
- Tennis Elbow - Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is caused by overusing the muscles in the forearm. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. It is common among tennis players but can affect anyone who does repetitive arm movements.
- Golfer’s Elbow - Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, results from overuse of the muscles that allow the wrist and fingers to bend. This causes pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow. Although common in golfers, golfer's elbow can affect anyone who performs repetitive wrist and arm motions.
- Elbow Arthritis - Elbow arthritis involves swelling and inflammation in the elbow joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the elbow. The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, which cause the joint to wear down and become painful.
- Elbow Fractures - Elbow fractures are breaks in one or more of the bones that form the elbow joint, usually due to an injury or fall. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the elbow. Immediate medical attention is important for proper healing.
- Elbow Bursitis - Elbow bursitis, or olecranon bursitis, occurs when a small fluid-filled sac near the elbow joint becomes inflamed. This can cause swelling, pain, and redness at the tip of the elbow. Bursitis is often a result of prolonged pressure, infection, or injury.
- Elbow Ligament Tears / Injury - Elbow ligament tears or injuries typically occur due to overuse or trauma, often affecting athletes or people engaged in repetitive arm movements. The ligaments in the elbow, such as the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), provide stability to the joint, and damage to these structures can result in pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
Diagnostic Approaches
Various methods are used to determine the exact cause of elbow pain and other symptoms. Here are some common diagnostic approaches:
Physical Examination
The specialist will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history. Your elbow will be examined for pain, swelling, and limited movement. The elbow specialist might also check different areas for tenderness and compare the affected elbow with the healthy one.
Imaging Techniques
Imaging techniques help the elbow specialist see inside the elbow joint. Common methods include:
- X-rays: X-rays take pictures of the bones in your elbow. It is useful for spotting fractures, dislocations, and arthritis. This method is relatively quick and painless, providing clear images of bone structures.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRIs use strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of soft tissues in your elbow, like muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This can help diagnose issues like tears or inflammation. MRIs are very detailed and can show things that X-rays might miss.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images inside of the elbow. This method is useful for examining soft tissues like tendons and ligaments. Ultrasound is a painless procedure and can also guide injections to ensure they go to the right spot.
- Electromyography (EMG): EMG tests measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. This can help identify nerve compression or other nerve-related issues causing elbow pain.
Laboratory Tests
Blood or other lab tests are needed to diagnose conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or infections. These tests can provide additional information about the cause of elbow pain.
Treatment Options
Treatment options can include both surgical and non-surgical methods depending on the severity and type of the elbow condition. Here are some common treatment options:
Non-Surgical Treatments
These methods can effectively manage symptoms and promote healing without the need for surgery. Some common non-surgical treatments include:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves exercises and treatments designed to improve the elbow’s strength, flexibility, and function. These may include stretching and strengthening activities such as wrist curls and forearm rotations. An elbow specialist will guide you through specific exercises tailored to your condition, helping you recover and prevent further injury.
Medication Management
Medications, including pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, can help manage symptoms and reduce inflammation. The elbow specialist may prescribe medications or recommend over-the-counter options to relieve pain and discomfort.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the elbow. These injections are useful for conditions like tendonitis and bursitis and can provide relief for several months.
Heat and Ice Therapy
Apply a heat pack or ice pack to the affected area for 15-20 minutes to help reduce pain and swelling. Heat therapy can relax muscles and improve blood flow, while ice therapy can numb the area and reduce inflammation. These therapies can be alternated.
PRP Injections (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
Platelet-rich plasma injections involve drawing a small amount of your blood, concentrating its platelets, and injecting it into an afflicted area. PRP treatment for tennis elbow requires an injection of high-concentration platelets into the tendons at the side of your elbow and often the ligaments as well.
Surgical Treatments
Surgical treatments are considered when non-surgical methods do not provide sufficient relief or when the elbow structures are severely damaged. Some common surgical treatments include:
Fracture fixation
If the bones in the elbow are displaced or if there is a compound fracture, surgery is necessary. An open reduction and internal fixation surgical procedure puts the bones back into place.
Joint Revision Surgery (Complex Joint Replacement)
This procedure replaces worn or broken parts of the elbow joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is advised for those with severe joint damage or failed earlier surgeries.
Elbow Joint Replacement
Elbow joint replacement involves removing damaged parts of the elbow joint and replacing them with artificial components. This procedure is usually recommended as a last resort after other treatments have failed to provide relief.
Ligament Reconstruction
Ligament reconstruction is performed to repair or replace damaged ligaments in the elbow. This surgery is often required for athletes or those who have experienced ligament injuries, helping restore stability and function to the elbow.
Radiofrequency Microtenotomy
Radiofrequency microtenotomy (RFM) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis of the elbow. This involves targeted coblation of pathological tissue at significantly lower temperatures.
Tennis Elbow Release
Tennis elbow release involves the release of the degenerate ECRB tendon origin and is performed as a day-case procedure. It may also involve removal of scar tissue, abnormal bone growth and, if needed, other damaged tissue in your elbow.
When to See an Elbow Specialist
Suppose you experience persistent elbow discomfort that does not improve with rest and over-the-counter drugs, swelling and redness, reduced motion, or numbness and tingling in your forearm or hand. In such cases, you should consult an elbow specialist. Pain after an injury, difficulty grasping objects, or arm weakness all need medical treatment. If non-surgical treatments have failed, an elbow specialist can provide surgical options and conduct a thorough examination to alleviate your symptoms. To avoid elbow problems, early diagnosis and treatment are needed to prevent further complications.
WHY CHOOSE DR DENNIS NG
Effective & Evidence-Based Orthopaedic Care
Dr. Dennis Ng is dedicated to understanding your unique needs, focusing on restoring
your active lifestyle and overall well-being.
Specialised Experience In Complex Procedures
PATIENT-CENTRED & PERSONALISED APPROACH
Dedicated Aftercare For Optimal Recovery
AFFORDABLE & TRANSPARENT PRICING
Insurance
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attend to any query you may have.
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Visit Us Today
Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
38 Irrawaddy Road #08-41
Singapore 329563
Monday – Friday: 9am – 1pm; 2pm – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Other Clinic Location
Gleneagles Medical Center
6 Napier Road #07-15
Singapore 258499
Monday – Friday: 9am – 1pm; 2pm – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
Sunday & PH: CLOSED
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can elbow pain be a sign of a serious condition?
Yes, elbow pain can sometimes indicate a serious condition such as a fracture, severe arthritis, or an infection. It is important to seek medical advice if you experience severe pain, swelling, or redness or if the pain persists despite home treatment.
How long does it take to recover from elbow surgery?
Recovery time from elbow surgery varies depending on the type of surgery and the patient. Generally, it can take several weeks to several months. Physical therapy is often recommended to help regain strength and mobility.
Is it possible to fully recover from an elbow injury?
Many people fully recover from elbow injuries, especially with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. However, the extent of recovery can depend on the severity of the injury and adherence to the treatment plan.
How can I tell if my elbow pain is from a sports injury?
Elbow pain from a sports injury is often linked to specific activities and movements. If you notice pain during or after sports activities, it is likely related to a sports injury. Consulting an elbow specialist can help confirm the diagnosis.
How often should I follow up with my elbow specialist?
Follow-up frequency depends on your condition and treatment plan. Your elbow specialist will schedule regular visits to monitor your progress and make any required adjustments to your treatment.