Keeping Your Life in Motion Richard McClain, DO Allied Bone and Joint ELBOW PAIN Another common malady l see is lateral (outer) elbow pain. This is typically an overuse s where repetitive motion causes inflammation and pain. Our elbows provide the anchor points for the muscles and tendons that power our wrist and fingers. The outenlateral side anchons the extensor muscles that straighten the f extend the wrist. The inner/ medial side anchors the muscles that flex the wrist and fingers Chronic overuse of the extensor tendons leads to lateral elbow pain called tennis elbow. Overuse of the flexor tendons leads to medial elbow pain called golfer's elbow Working people more than athletes sufter from these maladies, but someone gave them names that stuck Treating the syndromes starts with oral medications like ibuprofen, stretching exercises, straps or braces and lessening the activities that aggravate the pain. If pain persists after 2-4 weeks of this, the next steps would be cortisone injection and or physical therapy. Should pain continue then it's time to consider arthroscopic surgery. Good results can be had with extremely small incisions. Whatever your problem, I'm happy to help you get your Life in Motion. Dr. McClain is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon. To schedule an appointment with Dr. McClain at our Allied Bone and Joint Plymouth location, please call 574.540.2500