Whether you have recently suffered an elbow injury or you deal with chronic elbow pain, Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group can help you reduce your symptoms and get back to the activities you love. For residents of Lancaster, PA, get started at our Lancaster office today.

Dr. Michael Bercik is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in conditions of the shoulder and elbow. Not only has he been awarded for his outstanding academic career, achieving the highest score in his residency program, but he has been recognized for his dedication to patient care through the Mark D Chilton award for outstanding patient care. Dr. Bercik strives for excellence in every aspect of his orthopedic practice, and his dedication to helping his patients achieve their best selves is seen through every day results.

Common Elbow Injuries

The elbow has many functions and is responsible for common movements such as rotating your hand and bending or extending your arm. Because of the importance of this joint, it is easily overused or injured. While many elbow injuries don’t require immediate medical attention, elbow injuries that are not given the proper rest or care can lead to more serious injuries.

In the event that a serious injury has occurred, it is critical to seek medical attention to avoid long-lasting complications. If you have treated your elbow injury for several days at home and symptoms are not improving, it is a good idea to get it checked out by your orthopedic doctor. In addition to this, any of the following symptoms indicate it is time to visit an orthopedic specialist:

• Weakened pulse
• Overall weakness including weak grip strength
• Inability to move the arm
• Tingling in the fingers
• Numbness in the fingers
• Cold or clammy skin

There are several elbow injuries that warrant medical attention, and causes can vary from athletics, aging, genetic deformities, trauma, and more. In our office, common elbow injuries we see are:

• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Bone fractures
• Sprains
• Dislocations
• Ulnar nerve irritation

Traumatic elbow injuries: What are they?

A traumatic, or acute, elbow injury is set apart from other injuries by the cause. Traumatic elbow injuries are caused by sudden events, such as an automobile collision or sports impact. When this happens, severe damage can suddenly occur to the area.

Common types of traumatic elbow injuries include:

Broken bone

There are 3 bones that connect in the elbow, including your humerus, ulna, and radius. When a collision occurs, any (or multiple) of these bones can become injured.

Hyperextension

If your elbow is forced to bend further than 180 degrees, this can lead to torn ligaments and structural damage.

Dislocation

When the elbow joint becomes misaligned, this is known as a dislocation.

Sprained Elbow

The medial collateral (MCL) ligament is the most common ligament involved in an elbow sprain.

Ulnar Nerve Compression

In the event of a collision or impact, the ulnar nerve in the elbow can become compressed and lead to pain. This nerve is sometimes associated with feelings of “hitting your funny bone.”

Ready to Begin?

Taking care of your physical health is vital for the longevity of your favorite movements and activities. If you have a recent elbow injury and believe you might benefit from orthopedic treatment, look no further than Dr. Michael Bercik and our team at Lancaster Orthopedics. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bercik, please click the “Schedule An Appointment” link in the top right of the website or call (866) 564-1000.