Expert Arm Care & Treatment in Greater Philadelphia

Common Conditions Our Arm Orthopedic Specialists in Greater Philadelphia Treat

Arms deal with a lot every day. Sports, typing, lifting, sleeping wrong — it all adds up. The good news is that our physicians treat a wide range of arm conditions, from sprains and ligament strains to joint dislocations and bone fractures. We also work with patients dealing with pain caused by overuse or underlying disease.

Elbow Injuries

Elbow injuries happen frequently in people of all ages, affecting athletes and those performing repetitive daily tasks. Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are common problems causing ongoing discomfort in the elbow's tendons, and despite their sporty names, they often affect those who've never touched a racket or club. These injuries arise from repeated motion and strain, causing pain and inflammation that interfere with everyday activities.

Bursitis is another elbow condition causing swelling and pain due to inflammation of the bursae, the small sacs cushioning your joints. At Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center, our arm orthopedic specialists carefully diagnose each elbow injury, recommending therapies like physical therapy or medication to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help patients regain full elbow function.

Upper Arm Fractures & Humerus Conditions

Upper arm fractures involve the humerus, and these injuries usually result from trauma such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries. Pain, swelling, and limited mobility quickly follow these fractures, affecting your daily routine and quality of life. Our arm fracture specialists in Greater Philadelphia carefully evaluate the severity of your fracture, recommending treatments ranging from immobilization to orthopedic surgery if necessary.

Besides fractures, other humerus conditions include issues like ligament sprains or muscular tears impacting your upper arm strength and stability. Our surgeons work closely with each patient, offering personalized attention and care solutions aimed at relieving pain and improving overall arm function for the long term.

Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Arm

For many people, a broken arm is very obvious. A crack may have been heard, or a bone may appear to be “out of place.” But many times, a broken arm is not obvious. Bones naturally try to heal, but if you have any misalignment, complex fracture patterns, or damage to surrounding tendons, nerves, or muscles, the arm will not heal correctly. Review the symptoms below if you suspect you may have a broken arm.

• Severe pain that increases when you move
• Swelling and/or throbbing pain
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Visual deformity or an unusual bend in the arm
• Stiffness
• Can't move your arm, wrist, or elbow
• Can't rotate the arm

If the fracture is not protruding from the skin and no obvious deformity is evident, the normal course of action is to get X-rays to determine the extent and complexity of the fracture. The X-rays will identify the location of the break and clarify whether joint involvement is contributing to the injury. If more accurate images are required to review surrounding muscles, tendons, and tissues, a CT scan will be ordered.

Forearm Injuries

Forearm injuries commonly involve damage to the radius and ulna — the two main bones connecting the wrist to the elbow. These bones often become injured during accidental falls, sporting collisions, or unexpected workplace incidents. When a fracture or strain occurs, swelling and sharp pain typically follow, accompanied by noticeable bruising around the injured area. Additionally, movements such as rotating the wrist or flexing the elbow frequently become painful and restricted.

Beyond bone injuries, forearm ligament sprains or tears significantly affect overall arm stability and motion. These ligament issues typically lead to prolonged discomfort, weakened grip strength, and challenges in performing even basic daily tasks.

Nerve Entrapments

Nerve entrapments involve pressure on or irritation of nerves, such as the ulnar nerve or the brachial plexus, causing uncomfortable sensations throughout the arm, hand, and fingers. When the ulnar nerve is compressed — often known as cubital tunnel syndrome — patients experience numbness, tingling, or pain in the elbow, wrist, and fingers, particularly affecting the little and ring fingers. These symptoms frequently worsen with repeated bending of the elbow or leaning on the affected arm.

Similarly, issues with the brachial plexus — a network of nerves that controls arm and hand movement — can lead to sensations of burning, tingling, or even loss of sensation. Such nerve entrapments commonly cause muscle weakness, impaired coordination, and challenges in performing precise movements.

Repetitive Stress Injuries & Overuse Syndromes

Repetitive stress injuries and overuse syndromes commonly occur when frequent movements or prolonged activities place continuous strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the arm. Routine actions like typing, lifting, or stirring lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or muscle strain.

These conditions typically present with ongoing pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and a noticeable decrease in arm strength and mobility. Moreover, because these injuries tend to intensify gradually, early recognition and awareness of symptoms help significantly manage the discomfort and prevent more extensive complications.

Arthritis

Arthritis significantly impacts arm joints, causing persistent inflammation, pain, and stiffness that limit normal movement and interfere with everyday life. Osteoarthritis, the common form of arthritis, usually develops because of wear and tear on the joints, resulting in gradually worsening pain, stiffness, and swelling. Patients usually notice that joint discomfort intensifies after extended periods of activity or following rest.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another type that often affects the arm, involves chronic inflammation within joints, and often causes joint deformity over time. Symptoms include severe joint tenderness, warmth, and swelling, all of which lead to restricted movement and difficulty performing regular activities.