Shoulder and Elbow Care
The elbow and shoulder specialists at Beacon Orthopaedics are dedicated to helping patients throughout Greater Cincinnati and Dayton find relief from pain. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will determine the underlying cause of your elbow or shoulder pain and create a treatment plan to help you regain strength and mobility.
Depending on your needs, one of our elbow and shoulder surgeons may recommend care ranging from orthobiologics and physical therapy to arthroscopic surgery, or a partial or total joint replacement. Our doctors are specialists in their fields, so you can count on their expertise, experience, and knowledge of treatment options to solve your shoulder and elbow pain and get you back to the life you love.
Common Shoulder and Elbow Injuries and Conditions
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Dislocated Shoulder
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Impingement
- Labral Tear
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Separated Shoulder
- Shoulder Fractures (Clavicle, Proximal, Humerus, Scapular)
- Tendinitis
- Tennis Elbow
- UCL Injuries
Common Shoulder and Elbow Treatments
- Arthroscopic Surgery
- Physical Therapy
- Rotator Cuff Surgery
- Tommy John Surgery
- Total Shoulder Replacement
Did you know? Tennis elbow is very common, affecting up to 3 out of every 100 people, but fewer than 5% of tennis elbow diagnoses are related to tennis.1
What Causes Shoulder and Elbow Pain?
The shoulder is a dynamic and hardworking part of the body, which means that there are a variety of conditions and injuries that may be responsible for your pain. The elbow, meanwhile, is a smaller joint compared to others, but it can also be susceptible to several different kinds of injuries. Our orthopedic surgeons are experts in diagnosing any shoulder or elbow pain or discomfort you might have, and we’ll work with you to find the best treatment plan for your situation.
Common Causes of Shoulder and Elbow Pain
- Arthritis
- Bone Growths/Spurs
- Bursitis
- Fracture or Dislocation
- Overuse
- Pinched Nerve
- Separation
- Sports Injuries
- Stress Fractures
- Sudden, Significant Force
- Muscle or Ligament Tears
- Tendinitis
Symptoms of Shoulder and Elbow Pain
- Difficulty gripping objects
- Grinding, popping, crunching sensation
- Localized swelling and/or bruising
- Loss of range of motion in shoulder
- Numbness or tingling in the hand
- Pain and tenderness in inner or outer elbow
- Pain during shoulder movement
- Sensation that hand is swollen
- Sharp or aching pain
- Shoulder pain that gradually becomes worse
- Soreness of forearm muscles
- Stiffness and instability within elbow
- Swelling and bruising
- Tenderness and sensitivity to pressure
Did you know? 53,000 people have a shoulder replacement in the U.S. every year to regain comfort and function.2
Understanding The Anatomy of Your Shoulder and Elbow
The shoulder is the only joint in the human body that allows full 360° motion. This extreme mobility requires a complex system of bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons that work seamlessly together. Similar to machines, the more moving parts there are, the easier it is for something to go wrong. While athletes rely on their shoulders extensively, individuals with semi-active hobbies such as cooking or gardening also depend on healthy shoulders. The shoulders are an essential part of everyday life; without them, completing simple tasks can be a struggle, no matter what activities you perform.
The elbow is the joint connecting your upper arm to your forearm and consists of three bones: Radius, Ulna, and Humerus. A healthy elbow joint is very important for movement because it is responsible for bending and straightening the arm and also rotating and twisting motions. There are also several nerves that run through the elbow and supply sensation to the forearm, wrist, and fingers.
1 Cleveland Clinic. Tennis Elbow. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7049-tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis Accessed September 23, 2020.
2 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Shoulder Joint Replacement. Available: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/shoulder-joint-replacement Accessed September 23, 2020.
Get Relief From Shoulder or Elbow Pain
If you are experiencing pain in your shoulder or elbow, Beacon can help. Schedule an appointment with one of our elbow and shoulder specialists or contact us with any questions.