Elbow Joint Injection
The elbow is a joint that connects the humerus bone of the upper arm with the radius and ulna bones of the lower arm through a complex network of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. More than a simple hinge, the unique arrangement of these tissues also allows for rotation.
How does it work?
An elbow joint injection is done for pain, swelling, or discomfort that will not resolve with simple conservative measures. A small needle is inserted into the joint space to inject a medication or biologic substance. The most common used medications for this purpose are corticosteroids (steroids). Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and stem cells can also be injected safely into the joint space as well.
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow) Injection
The medial epicondyle tendon runs on the inside of the arm and elbow. It is responsible for helping you bend and twist your wrist, like when you swing a golf club, which is why it is nicknamed golfer’s elbow.
The majority of patients that have golfer’s elbow don’t play golf or tennis. Most of the time, it is an overuse injury. Typing on the computer or repetitive activities at work can overwork the tendons and create small tears, causing the pain.
This condition causes pain on the inside of the elbow, opposite of tennis elbow that affects the lateral epicondyle tendon on the outside of the elbow. For severe cases of medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), elbow injection treatment may provide pain relief.
Medial epicondylitis is a form of tendonitis caused by overuse of the medial epicondyle tendon. Any sport or activity that repetitively uses this tendon can result in small tears and damage that can cause pain and dysfunction. Symptoms of golfer’s elbow include pain on the inside of the elbow, as well as tingling or numbness in the hand. Patients with medial epicondylitis may experience more pain when making a fist, and they can have weakness when gripping. Basic treatment for golfer’s elbow is rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medications, but some patients may need medical treatment.
Interventional Therapy for Golfer’s Elbow
Injection therapy can manage golfer’s elbow pain and promote healing. For pain relief, steroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation in the tendon and elbow joint. An image-guided steroid injection can deliver an anesthetic and corticosteroid medication to the damaged tendon. The anesthetic can provide immediate, but temporary, pain relief. The steroid will take effect over the following days as it reduces inflammation in the elbow and forearm.
Another medial epicondylitis injection treatment is regenerative medicine. Options like platelet rich plasma (PRP) may be recommended to promote healing and repair of the damaged tendon.
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) Injection
The tendons in the elbow not only are important for bending and straightening the arm, but they also are crucial for wrist and hand function. The lateral epicondyle tendon is one of the tendons in the elbow, running on the outside of the arm. Repeated movement using this tendon can cause elbow overuse injuries, including lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow.
Lateral epicondylitis is called tennis elbow due to the overuse of the tendon when gripping and swinging a tennis racket. The lateral epicondyle tendon is necessary for gripping and bending the wrist backward and forward. It may be strained from vigorous use of the forearms and wrist playing many different sports or performing certain tasks. Tennis elbow is fairly common and usually can resolve on its own with rest. However, severe cases may require treatment to improve healing or for pain relief.
Interventional Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Steroid injections are a minimally-invasive treatment option for relieving pain caused by tennis elbow. The inflammation in the damaged tendon and joint can be reduced with a corticosteroid injection. The injection contains both a numbing agent and a steroid. A steroid injection may provide long-term relief if the tendon is allowed to heal, or the pain may return in a few months. There are other injection treatments for lateral epicondylitis. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can be beneficial for some patients with tennis elbow, stimulating tissue repair to help strengthen the tendon and minimize the pain.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Elbow Pain
Regenerative medicine uses substances that can promote and stimulate tissue repair. There are biological components in your body used to regenerate tissue when it is injured. When these substances are harvested, concentrated and delivered directly to damaged tissue, it can help speed healing and repair.
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, uses a concentration of platelets and growth factors from the patient’s blood. A small blood sample is taken from the patient and filtered through a centrifuge. This process creates a concentrated plasma that is highly effective to promote healing. The plasma is purified, then injected into the area of the elbow that has tissue damage. A series of injections may be recommended to stimulate healing and relieve elbow pain.
This Treatment is Good For..
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Elbow