Is Your Joint Pain Serious? Top 10 Clues You Shouldn’t Ignore
Joint pain in your hip, knee, or shoulder can disrupt your daily routine, and while some discomfort may pass with rest or over-the-counter remedies, other symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. For active individuals, staying pain-free is a priority, but it can be hard to tell when joint pain signals something more serious. If you’re unsure whether to see a specialist, here are 10 important signs that it may be time to get your pain evaluated by an orthopedic provider. 1. Pain That Persists for More Than a Few Days Minor joint aches from a workout or long day on your feet typically improve within a few days. Pain that sticks around, especially if it’s been lingering for more than a week, may be a sign of an underlying issue such as osteoarthritis, a tendon injury, or cartilage damage. Why it matters: According to the Mayo Clinic, persistent joint pain can be an early warning sign of conditions that worsen without treatment. 2. Swelling That Doesn’t Go Down Swelling is your body’s natural response to injury, but prolonged or worsening swelling, particularly in the knee or shoulder, can signal internal joint damage or inflammation. Watch for: Swelling accompanied by warmth or stiffness may indicate bursitis, a torn ligament, or inflammatory arthritis. 3. Joint Instability or Buckling If your knee gives out while walking or your shoulder feels like it might pop out of place, don’t ignore it! These are classic signs of joint instability and may be due to a ligament injury like an ACL tear in the knee or a rotator cuff tear in the shoulder. Pro tip: If you have questions, they are best diagnosed by an orthopedic expert. Take the Vitruvy assessment today to skip the line and get access to an expert fast. 4. Limited Range of Motion If you can’t fully extend your knee, lift your arm overhead, or rotate your hip without discomfort, it’s a sign your joint function may be compromised. This could be due to inflammation, structural damage, or progressive arthritis. Don’t push through it: Loss of motion can be a symptom of several chronic joint issues, including frozen shoulder and advanced osteoarthritis. 5. Pain That Wakes You Up at Night Discomfort that interferes with sleep is a red flag. Night pain is commonly associated with more serious joint conditions, including advanced arthritis, bursitis, or even joint infections. Be aware: The NIH notes that night pain is a key symptom in inflammatory types of arthritis and can also occur in joint degeneration. 6. Clicking, Popping, or Grinding Sounds Occasional joint noises are normal, but if they’re accompanied by pain, swelling, or weakness, they may indicate damage to cartilage or soft tissues. Especially in the knee or shoulder: These joints are prone to meniscus tears or labral injuries, which often present with mechanical symptoms like grinding or catching. 7. Joint Pain Following an Injury If your pain started after a fall, sports injury, or accident, it’s wise to have it checked, even if it seemed minor. Tears, fractures, and dislocations can be missed without imaging. Important to note: According to the AAOS, timely diagnosis of injuries like rotator cuff or ACL tears leads to better outcomes and faster recovery. 8. Heat and Redness Around the Joint Heat and redness around a joint can be signs of infection or severe inflammation. While rare, septic arthritis is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. What to do: The Mayo Clinic warns that redness, warmth, fever, and severe pain in a joint should be taken seriously. 9. Pain That Interferes with Daily Activities If you’re adjusting how you walk, avoiding stairs, or struggling to reach overhead due to discomfort, it’s a sign your joint pain is affecting your quality of life. Time to act: Any type of degenerative joint disease can progress gradually. However, early treatment may help preserve mobility and delay or avoid surgery. 10. You’ve Tried On Your Own, But Are Still In Pain If ice, heat, over-the-counter pain relievers, and activity modification haven’t helped after several days, it’s time to talk to a specialist. Conservative treatments should improve minor injuries; if they don’t, it’s a sign of something more complex. Next steps: A physical exam, diagnostic imaging, or referral to an orthopedic specialist may help determine the root cause and best course of action. When to See an Orthopedic Specialist Joint pain in the hip, knee, or shoulder is common, but it shouldn’t be ignored if it interferes with your life, especially if it shows any of the warning signs above. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage and help you get back to doing what you love. Whether you’re managing an old sports injury or noticing new signs of arthritis, it pays to listen to your joints. At Vitruvy, we help you skip the line and talk to an expert faster. Take our assessment to be matched with a local orthopedic expert in your area and start feeling better, faster.
Do You Have Knee Bursitis? How to Know—and What to Do Next
Knee bursitis happens when the small, fluid-filled sacs near your knee joint (called bursae) become inflamed. These sacs normally help reduce friction between bones, tendons, muscles, and skin—but when they swell, they can cause pain, tenderness, and limit your movement. What Causes It? Knee bursitis can develop from: Repetitive motion or pressure—like kneeling often on hard surfaces A direct injury or blow to the knee An infection in the bursa Other conditions like arthritis or gout Types of Knee Bursitis The pain and swelling can show up in different spots depending on which bursa is affected: Prepatellar (in front of the kneecap – “housemaid’s knee”) Infrapatellar (just below the kneecap) Suprapatellar (just above the kneecap) Pes anserine (inner side of the knee, below the joint) What You Might Feel Swelling and warmth around the knee Pain when you move or touch the area Redness or tenderness Trouble bending or extending your leg If infection is involved, you might also have fever or chills What a Chatbot Can’t Tell You Knowing you have “knee bursitis” is just the start. What really matters next is what to do about it. This is where a specialist—not a search engine—makes all the difference. Here are three real-world questions better answered by a real orthopedic expert: “Do I need imaging or can this be treated conservatively?” Only a specialist can weigh your health history, activity level, and exam results to decide if you need imaging or if rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatories are enough. “Is my knee pain actually bursitis—or something else entirely?” Bursitis shares symptoms with arthritis, meniscus tears, or ligament strains. A trained knee specialist can tell the difference—and fast. “When can I safely get back to the activities I love?” Whether it’s hiking, pickleball, or keeping up with grandkids, recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. A physician can create a tailored plan to get you moving again. Get the Answers That Matter At Vitruvy, we combine clinician-designed assessments with real orthopedic expertise—so you skip the wait and get help fast. Take our no-cost assessment to learn more about your condition and get matched with a top knee specialist near you.
Vitruvy Launches to Connect the Right Patients to the Right Specialists – Fast
First of its kind strategic patient volume platform delivers a retail experience to patients and helps turn HIPAA compliance into a competitive advantage for practices and ASCs Vitruvy is a healthcare technology platform that connects people with healthcare specialists in minutes, not months. The platform features a no-cost, no-obligation online assessment that mirrors clinical decision-making used by top specialists. Vitruvy’s HIPAA-compliant tech stack works alongside traditional marketing to target patient populations practices and ASCs can’t reach on their own. CHICAGO – Apr. 29, 2025 – Vitruvy, a strategic patient volume platform, has launched its groundbreaking, consumer-first approach, designed to connect patients with specialists who best match the needs and stage in their healthcare journey. The platform empowers patients with information and access while at the same time helping physician businesses attract the patients they are best equipped to treat. “Anyone who has ever attempted to research a healthcare concern, find a leading specialist, and then book an appointment knows that the process is confusing, time-consuming, and incredibly frustrating,” says Scott Christiansen, Vitruvy Founder and healthcare marketing strategist. “Too often, people end up in the wrong place, which helps no one. Patients waste precious time and energy, and physicians miss the opportunity to truly help the right person. It’s an inefficient system and we knew we could make it better.” Powered by clinician-developed assessments, the Virtruvy platform gives patients the intelligence and access they need to search, shop, and select a provider in under five minutes. The process is simple: Patients take a no-risk assessment to understand the type of help they need. Vitruvy offers patients the option to book a consultation with a leading specialist. Vitruvy partner practices leverage the platform to match patients with clinicians based on their specific needs. The process is 100% transparent and Vitruvy partners are clearly listed so people can do their own research. “When you improve the patient experience, you also improve the physician experience,” adds Dr. Chris Nanson, Vitruvy’s Chief Medical Officer. “Every physician wants to spend every hour of their day seeing the patients who they are best qualified to help. Vitruvy brings the tech and AI to make that possible.” Vitruvy technology was built to adhere strictly to HIPAA guidelines, ensuring proper handling of Protected Health Information (PHI). By maintaining these rigorous standards, Vitruvy removes marketing limitations and enables practices to reach and engage specific patient populations that would be impossible on their own. “Patients expect the same seamless experience from healthcare that they get everywhere else online. But delivering that experience in a way that honors HIPAA takes a true strategy and technical expertise,” says Ashley La Fleur, Head of Product and Strategy at Vitruvy. “Vitruvy enables providers to meet patients with clarity, speed, and privacy at the center – turning compliance into a competitive advantage for our partners.” In its pilot phase, Vitruvy demonstrated its ability to drive patient volume, affect significant payer shifts, and improve target patient demographics. To learn more visit www.vitruvy.com/partners. About Vitruvy Vitruvy is a healthcare technology company dedicated to transforming the way people access specialty care. By leveraging smart screening technology and a trusted network of specialists, Vitruvy eliminates barriers to high-quality healthcare, providing users with fast, personalized, and expert-backed connections. To learn more about Vitruvy, visit www.vitruvy.com. Follow via LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
Questions about Common Knee Injuries? We’ve Got Answers
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, starting a new routine, or looking to add more movement into your week, knee pain can raise a lot of questions: “Is this runner’s knee?” “Do I need treatment—or just rest?” “When should I see a specialist?” At Vitruvy, we help you get answers—so you can stop guessing and start getting better. What are the Most Common Knee Injuries? We’ve Recapped Four for You Here: What is Patellar Tendonitis? This involves inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. It’s often triggered by overuse—especially from jumping or running—and is common in athletes. Symptoms include pain below the kneecap and stiffness that worsens with activity. Learn more from the Mayo Clinic. What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome? Wondering if you have runner’s knee? Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is also known as runner’s knee. This condition causes pain under or around the kneecap, especially during squatting, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods. It can stem from muscle imbalances, poor tracking of the kneecap, or overuse. Find additional info from Cleveland Clinic. What is IT Band Syndrome? Inflammation of the iliotibial band—a thick tissue that runs from the hip to the knee—typically causes pain on the outer side of the knee. IT Band Syndrome is especially common among distance runners and cyclists. What is a Meniscus Tear? This involves a tear in the rubbery knee cartilage that cushions the shinbone from the thighbone, often occurring during sports. You might hear a pop at the time of injury, followed by swelling, stiffness, and locking of the knee. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is a trusted resource for additional information. What’s the best way to get started with treatment? Knee injuries can significantly impact your quality of life. At Vitruvy, we’re committed to providing accurate insights to guide your care—and help you get better, faster. If you’re living with knee pain, our free online knee assessment can match you with an orthopedic specialist in your area based on your symptoms and goals.
Orthopedic Specialists Share Top 10 Chronic Hand Injuries and Four Signs to Look For
Orthopedic Specialists Share Top 10 Chronic Hand Injuries and Four Signs to Look For You use your hands for almost everything you do. Whether you’re playing a game, working at a computer, or even just scrolling on your phone, you’re using the bones, muscles, and tendons in your hands and fingers. Recognizing Hand Problems Because you use your hands so much, you’ll likely notice quickly if something feels wrong. But figuring out what caused the problem and if you need to see a doctor can be tricky. Here are Four Hand Injury Signs to Look For Pain in Your Hand or Fingers If you feel pain in your hand or fingers, it could be a sign of injury. The pain can be mild or severe and might be in one finger, several fingers, or your whole hand. Swelling and Bruising Acute hand injuries often bring visible signs of injury like swelling or bruising, along with pain. Acute injuries, such as those from sports or accidental falls, can cause constant pain. Overuse injuries may cause pain that comes and goes or gets worse with time, depending on your activity. Decreased Range of Motion A hand injury can affect your ability to carry out your daily activities. If your hand is swollen, it can be hard to bend your fingers or make a fist. Your wrist might also feel stiff, and you might not be able to move some fingers. Hand or Finger Weakness An injury might make your hand feel weak or clumsy. It could be hard to grip objects, pick things up, or do tasks that need precise movements like buttoning a shirt. Ten common chronic hand injuries: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by pressure on the median nerve, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers. Arthritis Inflammation of the joints, commonly affecting the hands and causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Tendinitis Inflammation of the tendons, often due to overuse or repetitive motions. Trigger Finger A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position due to inflammation of the tendon sheath. Anatomy of a Trigger Finger Stenosing tenosynovitis is when a finger gets stuck in a bent position and then snaps straight as illustrated below: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and swelling. Ganglion Cysts Noncancerous lumps that develop along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands. Dupuytren’s Contracture A thickening and tightening of the tissue under the skin of the palm, leading to curled fingers. Tenosynovitis Inflammation of the fluid-filled sheath that surrounds a tendon, often affecting the hand and wrist. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Damage caused by repetitive movements or overuse, affecting the muscles, tendons, and nerves of the hand. Intersection Syndrome Inflammation of the tendons that control the thumb, causing pain on the back of the forearm and wrist. Is Chronic Hand or Finger Pain Stopping You From Doing What You Love? In less than 5 minutes, our assessment tells you and our orthopedic partner specialists where you are on your healthcare journey. Based on your answers you can instantly schedule an appointment with a specialist who understands your pain and your lifestyle.
Understanding Knee Joint Replacement Surgery: Exploring Total Arthroplasty vs. Partial Arthroplasty
Understanding Knee Joint Replacement Surgery: Exploring Total Arthroplasty vs. Partial Arthroplasty Considering Knee Joint Replacement Surgery? You may have already heard it referred to as arthroplasty. It is a common procedure aimed at easing pain and restoring mobility for people with severe joint damage due to conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Types of Knee Joint Replacement Did you know there are different types of joint replacement surgeries? Total Knee Replacement This involves replacing the whole damaged joint with a prosthetic one. It is typically done when the damage is extensive and affects the entire joint. For example, in total knee arthroplasty, both the femur and tibia are replaced with artificial components, along with the kneecap if necessary. Partial Knee Replacement This procedure only fixes the damaged parts while keeping the healthy parts intact. It’s a quicker option and might preserve more of your natural joint. This approach is suitable for people with localized joint damage. Choosing the Right Option The choice between total and partial knee replacement depends on factors such as the extent of joint damage, overall health, and lifestyle preferences. Talking to an orthopedic surgeon is essential to determine the best option for you. Knee Anatomy The knee is the body’s largest joint and is made up of four main structures: bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Bones: The femur, tibia, and patella form the knee joint, with the patella providing protection. Articular Cartilage: Covers the ends of the femur, tibia, and patella, allowing smooth movement. Meniscus: Two tough, rubbery cartilage pieces act as shock absorbers and stabilize the joint. Ligaments: Connect bones and stabilize the knee, including collateral ligaments (side-to-side motion) and cruciate ligaments (front-to-back motion). Tendons: Connect muscles to bones, with the quadriceps tendon linking thigh muscles to the patella and the patellar tendon connecting the patella to the tibia. Whether it’s total or partial, knee joint replacement surgery can significantly improve the lives of people dealing with severe joint pain. It’s all about getting back to feeling good and living life to the fullest! Your Path to Pain Relief If you are tired of spending countless hours researching options for knee pain, click here to take our knee assessment. You will spend minutes, not hours, finding the right specialist for your needs. Let Vitruvy streamline your healthcare journey, so you can focus on what matters most.
Treatment for Knee Injuries with R.I.C.E. Method
Treatment for Knee Injuries with R.I.C.E. Method Are you experiencing knee pain or discomfort? Knowing how to manage it right after an injury is important for a faster recovery. One effective method is the RICE protocol. Steps in the RICE Protocol Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured knee. Ice: Apply cold packs for 20 minutes multiple times a day, but don’t place ice directly on the skin. Compression: Gently wrap the injured area with a soft bandage or ace wrap. Elevation: Elevate the injury above heart level while resting to reduce swelling. Common Knee Injuries Treated with RICE Let’s explore three common knee injuries where this protocol can be beneficial: Patellar Tendonitis This involves inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome Also known as runner’s knee, this condition causes pain under or around the kneecap, often aggravated by activities like running or climbing stairs. IT Band Syndrome Inflammation of the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the knee, typically causing pain on the outer side of the knee. When to Seek Prompt Treatment Seek prompt treatment if you experience: A popping noise and knee instability during injury Severe pain or inability to move the knee Limping or swelling at the injury site Non-Surgical Treatment Options Treatment approaches vary based on factors like injury severity, age, overall health, and activity level. Non-surgical options may include: Immobilization Using a brace or cast to restrict knee movement, or crutches to avoid weight-bearing. Physical therapy Targeted exercises to restore knee function and strengthen supporting leg muscles. NSAIDs Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and swelling reduction. Learn More You can learn more about RICE as well as sprains, strains, and other soft tissue knee injuries here. RICE method for knee pain Rest Ice Compression Elevation
Understanding Knee Pain and Common Knee Injuries
Understanding Knee Pain and Common Knee Injuries From the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, we are summarizing common knee injuries, including: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries Collateral Ligament Injuries Meniscal Tears Tendon Tears Fractures Dislocation Click here to view original source content. Knee Joint Anatomy The knee is the body’s largest joint and easily injured, comprising four main structures: bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Bones: The femur, tibia, and patella form the knee joint, with the patella providing protection. Articular Cartilage: Covers the ends of the femur, tibia, and patella, allowing smooth movement. Meniscus: Two tough, rubbery cartilage pieces act as shock absorbers and stabilize the joint. Ligaments: Connect bones and stabilize the knee, including collateral ligaments (side-to-side motion) and cruciate ligaments (front-to-back motion). Tendons: Connect muscles to bones, with the quadriceps tendon linking thigh muscles to the patella and the patellar tendon connecting the patella to the tibia. Understanding Common Knee Injuries and Their Symptoms The most common knee injuries include sprains and tears of soft tissues (e.g., ligaments, meniscus), fractures, and dislocation. In many cases, injuries involve more than one structure in the knee. Pain and swelling are the most common signs of knee injury. In addition, the knee may catch or lock. Some knee injuries (e.g., ACL tear) cause instability — the feeling that your knee is giving way. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries The anterior cruciate ligament is often injured during sports activities. ACL injuries are more likely to occur in athletes who participate in cutting and pivoting sports like soccer, football, and basketball. Changing direction rapidly or landing from a jump incorrectly can tear the ACL. About half of all injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament occur along with damage to other structures in the knee, such as articular cartilage, meniscus, or other ligaments. Comparison of Normal and Torn ACL in the Knee Tears or ruptures of the ACL, a major ligament in the knee, are often due to sports injuries that involve sudden stops, jumps, or changes in direction such as soccer, basketball, football, skiing, tennis, or gymnastics. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries The posterior cruciate ligament is often injured from a blow to the front of the knee, while the knee is bent. This often occurs in motor vehicle crashes and sports-related contact. Posterior cruciate ligament tears tend to be partial tears with the potential to heal on their own. Collateral Ligament Injuries Injuries to the collateral ligaments are usually caused by a force that pushes the knee sideways. These are often contact injuries. Injuries to the MCL are usually caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee and are often sports-related. Blows to the inside of the knee that push the knee outwards may injure the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Lateral collateral ligament tears occur less frequently than other knee injuries. Meniscal Tears Acute meniscal tears often happen during sports. Tears in the meniscus can occur when twisting, cutting, pivoting, or being tackled. Meniscal tears may also occur as a result of arthritis or aging. Even an awkward twist when getting up from a chair may be enough to cause a tear if the menisci have weakened with age. Illustration of Knee Meniscus Tear Anatomy Injury to the cartilage between the femur and tibia, which can occur from twisting or turning quickly, often with the foot planted while the knee is bent. Tendon Tears The quadriceps and patellar tendons can be stretched and torn. Although anyone can injure these tendons, tears are more common among middle-aged people who play running or jumping sports. Falls, direct force to the front of the knee, and landing awkwardly from a jump are common causes of knee tendon injuries. Fractures The most common bone broken around the knee is the patella. The ends of the femur and tibia where they meet to form the knee joint can also be fractured. Many fractures around the knee are caused by high energy trauma, such as falls from significant heights and motor vehicle collisions. Dislocation A dislocation occurs when the bones of the knee are out of place, either completely or partially. For example, the femur and tibia can be forced out of alignment, and the patella can also slip out of place. Dislocations can be caused by an abnormality in the structure of a person’s knee. In people who have normal knee structure, dislocations are most often caused by high energy trauma, such as falls, motor vehicle crashes, and sports-related contact.
Protect Your Wrists: Learn About Common Injuries, Symptoms, and Solutions
Protect Your Wrists: Learn About Common Injuries, Symptoms, and Solutions Your wrists are constantly in action, whether you’re playing sports, typing at a desk, or lifting weights. The bones, muscles, and tendons in your wrists are always engaged, making them susceptible to various injuries. The wide range of motion required in many sports activities puts additional strain on your wrists. Acute injuries can occur from incidents like falls or impacts during contact sports, while chronic wrist pain often results from wear-and-tear or conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Understanding Wrist Strain and Common Injuries Here are the most common chronic wrist injuries Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) This condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers. Some people with CTS may struggle with tasks like buttoning shirts, opening jars, or using utensils due to numbness and weakness in the hands. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life if you have CTS; severe cases may require surgical intervention to relieve the pressure on the nerve. Wrist Arthritis Both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect the wrist, causing chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness. When conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be needed to improve function, reduce pain, and get back to living life to the fullest. Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Tears The TFCC is a structure that supports the small bones of the wrist. Tears in this complex can cause pain, especially with twisting movements like swinging a golf club, playing tennis, knitting or simply opening a jar. Whether through sports or daily activities, TFCC tears can significantly affect both active individuals and retirees, highlighting the importance of proper wrist care and timely intervention. De Quervain’s Tendinosis (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis) A condition where the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become inflamed, causing pain and swelling. It commonly affects those who perform repetitive hand movements, such as gripping or twisting. If conservative treatments like splinting and corticosteroid injections are ineffective, surgery may be needed to release the constricted tendons. Is Chronic Wrist Pain Stopping You from Doing What You Love? In less than 5 minutes, our assessment tells you and our physician partner specialists where you are on your healthcare journey. Based on your answers you can instantly schedule an appointment with a specialist who understands your pain and your lifestyle.
From Tennis Elbow to Bursitis: Navigating Nine Chronic Elbow Injuries
From Tennis Elbow to Bursitis: Navigating Nine Chronic Elbow Injuries Your elbows work overtime. Whether you’re playing sports, working at a desk, or lifting objects, the bones, muscles, and tendons in your elbows are constantly in use. According to orthopedic elbow specialists, this wide range of motion also makes elbows susceptible to numerous injuries. Some acute injuries can result from single incidents, like falling or getting hit during contact sports. Chronic elbow pain can stem from wear-and-tear injuries or conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Here are the Nine Most Common Chronic Elbow Injuries Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow, causing pain and tenderness. Tennis Elbow Anatomy Overuse injury causing pain on the outside of the elbow, often due to repetitive wrist and arm motions, as illustrated below: Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) A type of tendonitis that results in pain and inflammation of the tendons connecting the forearm to the elbow. This condition can impact the ability to flex and rotate the wrist and forearm. Initially, symptoms often present as minor pain or tenderness on the inner elbow. As the condition progresses, the pain can radiate up and down the arm. Anatomy of Golfer’s Elbow Similar to tennis elbow, but the pain is located on the inside of the elbow as illustrated below. Bursitis The elbow bursa (olecranon bursa) is a fluid-filled sac that cushions your bones, muscles, and tendons. Infection or repetitive movements can irritate or damage the bursa, leading to swelling and pain. People with physically demanding jobs, musicians, and athletes are particularly susceptible to bursitis. Even common activities such as gardening, painting, and shoveling can cause bursitis. Most non-infectious cases of elbow bursitis are treated at home over three to six weeks with rest, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and joint immobilization. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the forearm and hand. Osteoarthritis (OA) Commonly the result of “wear-and-tear” on the joint or prior traumatic injury, osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in the elbow when the cartilage wears down and bone rubs against bone. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) The most common type of arthritis in the elbow. Most people are familiar with the idea that rheumatoid nodules affect the fingers, but did you know they can also develop on the tips of your elbows? RA causes elbow instability, pain, and difficulty bending or straightening the elbow. Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury Damage to the ligament on the inside of the elbow, common in throwing athletes. Osteochondritis Dissecans A condition where a fragment of bone and cartilage separates from the end of the bone, causing pain and joint instability. Triceps Tendinitis Inflammation of the triceps tendon at the back of the elbow, causing pain and swelling. Is Chronic Hand or Finger Pain Stopping You From Doing What You Love? In less than 5 minutes, our assessment tells you and our orthopedic partner specialists where you are on your healthcare journey. Based on your answers you can instantly schedule an appointment with a specialist who understands your pain and your lifestyle.
