Shoulder and Elbow Conditions

Rotator cuff issues

The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that surround the shoulder joint. This group of tendons connects individually to muscles that start at the scapula, also called the shoulder blade. In a healthy shoulder, the uppermost tendon of the rotator cuff smoothly glides underneath the bone on the top of the shoulder.

Impingement syndrome happens when the tendons and the tissue become inflamed and swollen. The space between the bony prominence at the top of the shoulder and the head of the upper arm bone can also be reduced by a down-growth of bone, which causes irritation. More information on rotator cuff issues.

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis, stiff shoulder)

Frozen shoulder is the more commonly used term for adhesive capsulitis or stiff shoulder. The soft-tissue lining of the shoulder ball-and-socket joint becomes inflamed and scarred and causes the shoulder to lose its ability to move freely above the head and to rotate away from the body. See more information on frozen shoulder.

Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow

What are tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?

Tennis elbow is a pain on the outer part of the elbow at the bony prominence. The muscles and tendons that pull the wrist backward partially start at this point and can become inflamed and cause pain. Golfer’s elbow is similar to tennis elbow, except that pain starts on the bony prominence on the inner part of the elbow. 

Elbow arthritis

What are the symptoms of elbow arthritis?

Common symptoms of elbow arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, clicking, catching and locking in the elbow joint. You may experience creaking and grinding sensations, which occur because the cartilage of the joint surface is worn and the bones on the two sides of the joint rub together. 

With rheumatoid arthritis, you may experience worse pain in the mornings. With osteoarthritis, you may experience more pain in the evening or when attempting physical activity.

What are the treatment options for elbow arthritis?

When treating elbow arthritis, many factors have to be considered, including age, activity level, expectations and other medical conditions. You and your physician will discuss which treatment will work best for you. Treatment options include: 

• Physical rehabilitation. 
• Oral analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications. 
• Injections of steroids or viscosupplements. 
• Surgical treatment, such as arthroscopic debridement, synovectomy, interposition of a membrane between the bones, partial or total joint replacement, or joint fusion or joint removal.