Non-Surgical Treatments for Common Elbow Conditions

The elbow might be one of the hardest-working joints, but no one ever really thinks about it — until it starts to hurt. Once pain creeps in, simple tasks start feeling complicated. While people love to blame tennis or golf, the truth is that elbow issues happen off the court, too. Typing, lifting, cleaning, hauling, pushing — these everyday motions can wear the joint down. The good news? Many elbow conditions respond well to non-surgical treatments, sparing you the operating room experience.

Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center’s team of experienced physicians and surgeons understands the frustration that comes with elbow injuries and works hand-in-hand with you to find relief. That’s why we make it our mission to keep folks informed about common elbow problems and the conservative treatment approaches that might help them wave goodbye to that nagging pain.

If you have any questions about elbow care, our practice, or how we can help you with upper extremity issues, do not hesitate to reach out!

Frequent Elbow Issues and What Causes Them

Your elbow joint handles a ton of daily stress, making it prone to various issues that can stem from overuse, trauma, or degenerative conditions. Understanding the specific condition affecting your elbow helps our orthopedic team target the right treatment. Let’s explore some of the most common elbow problems so you can have a better idea of possible treatment options.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow usually shows up on the outside of the elbow, where the tendon attaches near the lateral epicondyle. This area handles a lot of repetitive stress, especially during gripping, lifting, or twisting movements. The name might suggest it’s a sports injury, but many people with this condition don’t play tennis at all. Tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, painters, and mechanics often develop symptoms after years of using tools. Even daily tasks like opening jars, shaking hands, or carrying a bag can start to hurt.

This is because the tendon near the bone becomes irritated, leading to inflammation and a gradual buildup of pain. Some people notice soreness that flares up with activity, while others feel it lingers no matter what they do.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

A golfer’s elbow mirrors a tennis elbow but affects the inside portion of your elbow joint instead. This painful condition involves inflammation of the tendons connecting your forearm muscles to the bump on the inner side of your elbow (medial epicondyle).

Similar to its “tennis” counterpart, you need not be a golfer to develop this condition — anyone repeatedly flexing their wrist against resistance risks irritating these tendons. The resulting inflammation causes pain that might travel down the inner forearm. Physicians diagnose this condition through physical examination, focusing on tenderness points and movements that reproduce your specific pain pattern.

Olecranon Bursitis

Olecranon bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) protecting your elbow’s bony point becomes inflamed. This condition transforms your normally sleek elbow into a swollen, sometimes red, and tender bump that resembles a golf ball sticking out behind your arm. People often develop this problem after leaning on elbows for extended periods, experiencing direct trauma to the joint, or suffering an infection.

Unlike other elbow conditions, the hallmark of olecranon bursitis includes significant swelling with variable pain levels — for example, some patients report minimal discomfort despite impressive swelling. Your physician might recommend drawing fluid from the bursa for testing if infection seems possible, particularly if the area feels warm or appears red.

Elbow Arthritis

Elbow arthritis involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage cushioning the bones in your joints. This deterioration happens through the natural aging process, previous injuries, or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The resulting bone-on-bone contact creates pain, stiffness, and a grating sensation during movement. Many patients also notice their range of motion decreasing over time, with activities like fully straightening or bending the arm becoming increasingly difficult. Your orthopedic surgeon might suggest X-rays to visualize joint space narrowing, bone spurs, or changes typical of different arthritis types before recommending appropriate treatment paths.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome develops when the ulnar nerve (which runs through a groove in your elbow) becomes compressed or irritated. This nerve controls sensation in your ring and pinky fingers while helping certain hand muscles function properly. Pressure on this nerve creates numbness, tingling, or pain radiating down your forearm into those fingers — sensations often described as “hitting your funny bone” but lasting much longer.

Patients frequently notice symptoms worsening when bending their elbow for extended periods, such as during sleep or while talking on the phone. Some people even experience hand weakness, making precise finger movements challenging. Your physician might perform nerve conduction studies to confirm this diagnosis and assess the severity of nerve compression before outlining treatment options.

Elbow Sprains and Tendonitis

Elbow sprains happen when ligaments supporting your joint stretch beyond their normal capacity or tear. These injuries typically result from falls, sudden twists, or direct impacts that force the joint beyond its natural range. Tendonitis involves inflammation in the tendons connecting muscle to the bone around your elbow and usually develops gradually through repetitive strain rather than sudden injury. Both conditions cause pain, swelling, and limited movement, though their specific locations vary.

Some patients hear popping sounds during the initial injury or feel instability afterward, particularly with ligament sprains affecting the ulnar collateral ligament. Your orthopedic team evaluates these injuries through physical examination, checking for tender points, joint stability, and movement limitations before creating a personalized treatment plan.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Elbows

The vast majority of elbow conditions respond favorably to conservative approaches. Our physicians typically explore multiple non-surgical treatments before considering operative intervention. The specific combination of treatments, however, depends entirely on your particular condition, its severity, and how it impacts your daily activities and responsibilities. Now, let’s dive into some of the most common and effective non-surgical interventions we utilize for elbow conditions.

Rest and Activity Modification

Easing off repetitive or high-impact movements gives irritated tissues a chance to recover. The elbow needs a break when pain flares up, but rest doesn’t always mean sitting still. In fact, keeping the joint completely immobile for too long can actually make things worse. Light movement — like gentle stretches or simple motions that don’t trigger discomfort — helps keep the joint flexible during recovery.

Our physicians often help patients adjust their routines in ways that protect the elbow without sidelining them completely. Small changes to how someone lifts, types, or works throughout the day can make a big difference while healing stays on track.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation focuses on rebuilding strength, flexibility, and control around the elbow. A well-structured therapy plan supports the healing process by targeting irritated muscles, inflamed tendons, and strained ligaments — all without overwhelming the joint. With guidance from a physical therapist, patients work through a mix of stretching, resistance, and mobility exercises tailored to their condition. Even simple movements can bring real progress when done consistently. As recovery moves forward, therapy also helps people relearn how to move in ways that protect the elbow long-term, whether that’s adjusting how they lift, grip, or carry out daily tasks.

Medications and Anti-Inflammatory Strategies

When elbow pain ties back to inflammation, certain medications may be needed to help ease discomfort and improve mobility. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen often reduce swelling and make daily movement feel more manageable, especially during flare-ups. In some cases, prescription-strength options may offer better relief for short periods.

Outside of medication, heat and cold therapy also play a helpful role. Ice packs can bring down swelling after activity, while warm compresses help loosen stiff muscles and joints before movement. Alternating between the two throughout the day can provide consistent support and help people get back to their routines with a little less pain.

Bracing and Support Devices

Braces and straps help reduce strain on irritated tendons, stressed ligaments, or compressed nerves, especially during daily movement. Tools like tennis elbow bands, compression sleeves, and nighttime splints create gentle stability, which helps minimize flare-ups without limiting motion completely. Some people even find that wearing a brace serves as a helpful reminder to move with a bit more care during recovery. Our team often works with patients to find the right type of support and make sure it fits comfortably with their usual routine.

Injection Therapy

When pain and inflammation interrupt progress, targeted injections can offer relief. Corticosteroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the irritated area, often reducing swelling and easing discomfort quickly. This type of injection can be especially helpful when pain makes physical therapy difficult or limits daily movement.

For some tendon-related conditions, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have gained attention as a way to support natural healing. PRP uses a patient’s own blood, which is processed to concentrate the healing components and then reintroduced to the affected area.

Our physicians take time to walk through each option, considering the type of injury, the patient’s goals, and how these treatments might fit into the broader care plan.

Lifestyle Adjustments and At-Home Care

Simple changes in daily habits can take a lot of pressure off the elbow. Paying attention to posture, using safer lifting techniques, and building in regular stretching all help support healing. People who spend long hours typing, texting, or working with their hands often feel better after adjusting their setup. Ergonomic tools — like a standing desk, a cushioned elbow rest, or a well-positioned keyboard — can make a noticeable difference. Staying active also matters. Gentle movement keeps the joint from stiffening up, while general wellness habits, like staying hydrated, eating well, and getting enough sleep, give the body the tools it needs to recover more comfortably.

When Our Physicians Might Suggest Surgery

Some elbow issues respond well to conservative care, but not every case follows the same path. When pain sticks around despite rest, therapy, medications, and other non-surgical efforts, our physicians take a closer look at what’s happening inside the joint.

Conditions like severe tendon damage, persistent nerve compression, or joint dislocation might require surgical attention, especially when symptoms limit movement or affect quality of life. In those situations, a minimally invasive procedure can help restore function and prevent further injury. One example is ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, a common option for athletes or active individuals dealing with instability after repetitive strain.

While surgery is never our first move, we’re here to walk through it with patients when it becomes the right next step.

Get Comprehensive Elbow Care in Greater Philadelphia — Call Now!

Pain in the elbow doesn’t have to derail life. Whether an injury came from sports, work, or an unexpected twist, our team helps patients take control. The right treatment plan can restore comfort and help folks get back to the activities that matter.

If elbow pain limits your motion, disrupts your sleep, or lingers longer than expected, we’re here to help. Contact the Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center and get the conversation started today.