Struggling with elbow pain? New York Bone and Joints’ expert elbow doctors can help you return to a pain-free lifestyle.
Whether you’re dealing with a sporting injury or a long-term health condition, our elbow specialists combine advanced diagnostic techniques, current research, and personalized treatment strategies to develop a plan that targets both your pain and the underlying issue.
We provide comprehensive treatment for all types of elbow conditions, from minor strains to complex fractures. With offices located across the Big Apple and a reputation as one of the best places for elbow surgery in New York City, we can help you reclaim your pain-free life.
What are the causes of elbow pain?
Elbow pain can stem from various sources, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Understanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment and prevention of future issues.
Our elbow doctors will work with you to diagnose your condition and create a treatment plan that gets you on the path to recovery quickly.
Overuse Injuries
Repetitive motions from sports like tennis, golf, or baseball can strain the tendons and muscles around the elbow joint. These activities often lead to conditions like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, which develop gradually over time.
Acute Trauma
Falls, direct blows, or sudden impacts can cause fractures, dislocations, or severe sprains. Sports injuries, workplace accidents, and everyday mishaps frequently result in immediate elbow pain requiring urgent medical attention.
Arthritis
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the elbow joint, causing chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. These degenerative conditions typically worsen over time without proper management and treatment.
Nerve Compression
Conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome occur when nerves become compressed or irritated, often causing pain that radiates down the arm along with numbness and tingling sensations.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the elbow joint can cause localized pain and swelling, particularly around the bony prominence at the back of the elbow.
What are the symptoms of elbow pain?
Recognizing elbow pain symptoms early allows for prompt treatment and better outcomes. Symptoms can vary significantly depending on the underlying condition and its severity.
Key symptoms to watch for:
Pain and Discomfort: Pain may be sharp and sudden with acute injuries, or dull and aching with chronic conditions. The pain might worsen with specific movements, gripping activities, or even at rest during severe cases.
Stiffness and Limited Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening the elbow fully often indicates joint problems or inflammation. Morning stiffness that improves with movement suggests arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Swelling and Inflammation: Visible swelling around the elbow joint, particularly after injury or with inflammatory conditions, requires medical evaluation. Heat and redness may accompany the swelling.
Weakness and Instability: Difficulty gripping objects, reduced strength in the arm, or a feeling that the elbow might “give out” can indicate significant injury or nerve involvement.
Numbness and tingling: Sensations that extend into the forearm or fingers often indicate nerve compression or damage, requiring specialized evaluation and treatment.
Clicking or Popping: Audible sounds during elbow movement, especially when accompanied by pain, may indicate cartilage damage or loose bone fragments within the joint.

Where to find the best elbow surgery in New York City
For decades, New Yorkers have relied on our esteemed elbow surgeons. What sets us apart as a leading choice?
- Prioritizing Joint Health: Your joint well-being is paramount, essential for an active and healthy lifestyle.
- Comprehensive Care: Our distinguished specialists provide expert, compassionate support for diverse elbow conditions, from initial diagnosis to complete rehabilitation.
- High Success with Non-Surgical Treatments: Over 90% of elbow problems we see are successfully addressed with our orthopedic therapies, frequently eliminating the need for surgery.
We are dedicated to your full recovery, providing both conservative treatments and, when required, expert surgical intervention.
Read our patient reviews below.
How do our elbow doctors treat pain?
We prioritize non-surgical approaches to elbow recovery, guiding you every step of the way. Surgery is considered only when necessary, although all our elbow specialists are skilled surgeons.
Our Non-Surgical Care Involves:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Refraining from aggravating activities alongside gentle exercises to maintain mobility.
- Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises for strength, flexibility, and enhanced range of motion.
- Medication Management: Options range from over-the-counter pain relievers to stronger medications for acute discomfort.
- Reduce Inflammation: Ice applications for recent injuries and inflammation; heat for muscle stiffness and chronic pain.
- Supportive Devices: Temporary support, like bands or slings, may be recommended to stabilize the elbow during recovery.
Other options we may suggest include:
Injection Therapies: For significant or persistent pain, we offer corticosteroid injections. These injections provide pain relief that can last for several months.
Surgical Procedures: Complex injuries such as hand fractures typically necessitate surgical intervention. Procedures like setting or pinning bones may be required to facilitate proper healing. Our surgical team possesses extensive experience in performing a wide array of invasive treatments.
What are some of the conditions our elbow orthopedic surgeons treat?
Our elbow surgeons treat several conditions right here in New York. Below are just some of the elbow conditions we commonly encounter:
- Biceps Tendonitis and Biceps Subluxation
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Elbow Arthroscopy
- Elbow Fracture
- Elbow Sprain
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Selfie Elbow
- Tennis Elbow
Our best-rated elbow specialists in NYC
New York Bone & Joint Specialists is committed to providing top-tier care, focusing on the enduring health and function of your joints for complete peace of mind.
We emphasize the preservation of natural bodily structures, enabling 90% of patients to achieve recovery without surgery and promoting long-term joint well-being.
Our highly skilled doctors possess decades of experience in treating elbow conditions, mobility problems, and injuries, delivering expert, specialized care. Details about our expert team can be found above.