Are you experiencing elbow pain or injury? As Mt. Joy, PA’s trusted elbow specialist, Dr. Michael Bercik at Lancaster Orthopedic Group emphasizes the importance of awareness and prevention regarding common elbow injuries.

Dr. Bercik, an esteemed orthopedic specialist, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgetown University and received his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the Rothman Institute, where he excelled in patient care and achieved the highest score on the Orthopaedic In-training Examination. Following his trauma fellowship, Dr. Bercik pursued international fellowships in France and Australia, expanding his expertise in shoulder and elbow conditions under renowned mentors. His comprehensive training equips him to offer advanced treatment options for patients in Mt. Joy, PA.

3 Common Elbow Injuries & Prevention

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is among the most common elbow injuries in athletes and non-athletes. Despite its name, you don’t need to play tennis to develop this condition. Symptoms often include persistent pain and inflammation on the elbow’s outer side. This discomfort typically arises due to the strain and stress on the forearm muscles and tendons during repetitive actions like typing, gripping tools tightly, or participating in sports involving frequent forearm exertion, like golf or gardening. Prevention includes:

• Warm-Up: Always start your physical activities with a proper warm-up to prepare your forearm muscles for action.
• Technique: Ensure you use the correct technique in sports or daily tasks to avoid putting excessive strain on your elbow.
• Strengthening: Incorporate exercises that strengthen your forearm muscles to support your elbow better.
• Rest: Allow your elbow to rest between activities, especially when engaging in repetitive tasks.

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, originates from the strain and overuse of the flexor tendons and forearm muscles that connect to the medial epicondyle on the inner side of the elbow. These tendons are vital for regulating wrist flexion and gripping objects like golf clubs, racquets, or tools. Excessive and repetitive stress can result in irritation and inflammation of these tendons, resulting in discomfort and tenderness of the elbow. Golfer’s elbow prevention strategies include:

• Stretching: Include stretching exercises for the forearm and wrist in your warm-up routine.
• Technique: Practice proper form and body mechanics to reduce the strain on your elbow.
• Gradual Progression: Avoid sudden increases in training intensity, allowing your tendons to adapt gradually.
• Rest and Recovery: Give your elbow time to recover between activities.

Elbow bursitis is characterized by inflammation of the bursa sac at the elbow’s tip. The bursa sac is a small, fluid-filled pouch that cushions and reduces friction around the joint between the bones, tendons, and muscles. It is essential for the smooth functioning of the elbow joint. This condition typically occurs due to repetitive pressure or a direct blow to the elbow area and causes pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Prevention of bursitis includes:

• Padding: Consider using protective gear like elbow pads when engaging in elbow impact activities.
• Technique: Learn to perform tasks that minimize direct pressure on your elbow.
• Rest: Avoid repetitive actions that could irritate the bursa sac and lead to inflammation.

Seeking an Elbow Specialist?

Preventing common elbow injuries requires a combination of proper warm-up, technique, strengthening exercises, and protective gear when necessary. By incorporating these injury prevention strategies into your daily life, you can enjoy your favorite activities and sports while minimizing the risk of elbow-related issues.

If you are experiencing persistent pain or have concerns about your elbow health, you can start working with Dr. Bercik by clicking ‘Schedule Appointment” at the top right corner of his webpage.