Expert Orthopedic Care

Elbow Pain: Get Back in the Game

Expert diagnosis and treatment for all types of elbow pain. Dr. Daniel Feghhi provides personalized care to help you return to your active lifestyle.

Board Certified
Fellowship Trained
15+ Years Experience
Elbow pain medical illustration showing damaged tendon tissue
Understanding Elbow Pain

What Causes Elbow Pain?

Elbow pain can result from acute injuries, overuse conditions, or degenerative changes affecting the bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves of the elbow joint.

Tendon Injuries

Tendon overuse and degeneration cause conditions like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), leading to pain and weakness.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the olecranon bursa (the fluid-filled sac at the elbow tip) causes swelling, warmth, and pain, often from prolonged pressure or injury.

Nerve Compression

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the elbow.

Ligament Injuries

Sprains and tears of the elbow ligaments, including UCL injuries common in throwing athletes, can cause instability and pain.

Fractures

Broken bones in the elbow from falls or trauma require immediate medical attention and can cause severe pain, swelling, and loss of function.

Who Experiences Elbow Pain?

Elbow pain affects athletes, manual laborers, and everyday individuals. Tennis players, golfers, baseball players, and office workers are particularly prone to elbow injuries due to repetitive motions.

Recognition & Diagnosis

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Recognizing the signs of elbow problems is essential for timely treatment and optimal recovery.

Common Symptoms

Persistent Pain

Dull, aching, or sharp pain on the inside, outside, or back of the elbow that worsens with activity.

Weakness

Reduced grip strength and difficulty performing everyday tasks like lifting objects or opening jars.

Limited Range of Motion

Difficulty bending or straightening the elbow fully, often accompanied by stiffness.

Swelling

Visible swelling around the elbow joint, sometimes with warmth to the touch.

Numbness & Tingling

Sensations radiating down the forearm into the hand, often indicating nerve involvement.

Diagnostic Methods

Physical Examination

Dr. Feghhi will evaluate elbow range of motion, assess tenderness, test strength, and check for nerve function.

X-Rays

X-rays help identify fractures, bone spurs, arthritis, and other bony abnormalities in the elbow.

MRI Scan

MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues, tendons, ligaments, and nerves to diagnose tears and inflammation.

Nerve Studies

EMG and nerve conduction studies may be ordered to evaluate nerve function and diagnose cubital tunnel syndrome.

Lab Tests

Blood tests can help rule out inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Treatment Options

Treatment for Elbow Pain

Dr. Feghhi offers comprehensive treatment options tailored to the specific cause and severity of your elbow pain.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

Rest & Activity Modification

Avoiding activities that aggravate the elbow and allowing tissues to heal naturally.

Physical Therapy

Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore function.

Bracing & Compression

Using elbow straps, sleeves, or braces to reduce strain and support healing.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers to reduce symptoms.

Advanced Treatments

Cortisone Injections

Anti-inflammatory steroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide rapid pain relief.

  • Quick pain relief
  • Reduces swelling
  • Minimally invasive

PRP Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma injections to promote natural healing of damaged tendons.

  • Natural healing
  • Regenerative
  • Tissue repair

Tenex Procedure

Minimally invasive procedure to remove damaged tendon tissue and stimulate healing.

  • Small incision
  • Fast recovery
  • Precise treatment

Elbow Arthroscopy

Minimally invasive surgery using small incisions to diagnose and treat elbow conditions.

  • Small incisions
  • Faster recovery
  • Joint preservation

Ligament Reconstruction

Surgical reconstruction of damaged ligaments, commonly for UCL injuries (Tommy John).

  • Stability restored
  • Athletes return to sport
  • Long-lasting

Nerve Decompression

Surgical release of compressed nerves to relieve numbness, tingling, and weakness.

  • Relieves symptoms
  • Restores function
  • Minimally invasive
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about elbow pain.

When should I see a doctor for elbow pain?

Does tennis elbow only affect tennis players?

How long does it take for elbow pain to heal?

Can elbow pain be prevented?

What is cubital tunnel syndrome?

Do I need surgery for elbow pain?

Get Rid of Your Elbow Pain

Don't let elbow pain keep you from doing what you love. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniel Feghhi and get back to your active lifestyle.

Our Locations

Visit Our New Jersey Offices

Dr. Feghhi sees patients at multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey.

Dover

400 W Blackwell St
Dover, NJ 07801

(973) 328-1200

Schedule Here

East Brunswick

East Brunswick, NJ

(732) 333-8700

Schedule Here

Elizabeth

Elizabeth, NJ

(908) 400-5990

Schedule Here

Hackensack

Hackensack, NJ

(201) 968-0230

Schedule Here

Wayne

Wayne, NJ

(973) 987-3040

Schedule Here

Schedule Your Visit

Book your appointment with Dr. Feghhi today.

Request Appointment