Capital City Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine |
Atlanta, GA Orthopedics: Tennis Elbow and Swimmer's Shoulder
When orthopedic injuries occur due to athletic activity, it is important to treat them conservatively, if possible. Whenever surgery is indicated, Dr. Fowler advocates minimally invasive approaches, such as shoulder or elbow arthroscopy. These arthroscopic procedures potentially allow the patient to heal quickly, experience less post-operative pain, and result in minimized scarring. Find out more about arthroscopy at Atlanta, GA’s Capital City Orthopedics & Sports Medicine » Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)Tennis elbow is a condition that develops on the outer upper arm near the elbow, characterized by pain, inflammation, and joint soreness. This condition is caused by partial tears to the tendons in the upper arm that connect muscle to bone. Tears are usually near the root of the tendons on the outer (lateral) part of the elbow. Tennis elbow is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles, and is usually associated with racquet sports, such as tennis, racquetball, or badminton. The repetitive forearm motion associated with these sports leads to irritation and pain. Additionally, painters, plumbers, construction workers, and other professionals that work primarily with their hands have a risk of developing the musculoskeletal condition. Diagnosing Lateral EpicondylitisLateral epicondylitis is typically diagnosed through the presence of symptoms, and usually does not require an x-ray. Symptoms of tennis elbow include:
Only an orthopedic surgeon, such as Dr. Fowler, is able to properly diagnose the condition. Dr. Fowler can help assess the condition and recommend treatment options that will work best for the patient's individual needs. Swimmer's Shoulder (Impingement Syndrome)Competitive swimming is intensely demanding, as it requires the swimmer to use the upper extremities to propel the body forward and demands above average shoulder flexibility and range of motion. The high demands of swimming often lead to rotator cuff tendonitis over time, causing inflammation in the shoulder, pain, and limited range of motion. Also known as rotator cuff tendonitis, impingement syndrome is caused by the rotator cuff muscles repeatedly passing through the space underneath the shoulder blade, known as the subacromial space. Repeated overhead motion leads to irritation of the tendons, causing inflammation and weakness of the shoulder. Symptoms of this condition include:
Diagnosing Impingement SyndromeAn orthopedic surgeon such as Dr. Fowler will test the shoulder's range of motion and evaluate tenderness to identify deformities. To confirm the presence of rotator cuff tendonitis, Dr. Fowler may order imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to visualize the soft tissues of the shoulder. Labral TearsTearing the labrum is a common sports injury, and is also associated with repetitive upper arm motions, such as pitching in baseball or swinging in hockey. Additionally, a traumatic blow to the shoulder, such as falling forward and landing with arms outstretched, can cause the labrum to tear. This condition causes the sufferer significant pain and discomfort, and also limits the shoulder's range of motion. Tears to the labrum in the shoulder are also common in older patients, who have a greater tendency to fall and damage bones and tendons. Additionally, because older patients have a weaker blood supply to the labrum, the body's natural ability to repair tissue is impaired. Diagnosing Labral TearsLabral tears are often sustained in the same manner as rotator cuff tears, and exhibit similar symptoms; therefore, it is suggested that the patient speak with an orthopedic surgeon to properly assess the condition and recommend treatment options. Find out how to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fowler » Symptoms of labral tears include:
Sports Injury Treatment in Atlanta, GADr. David Fowler is a sports medicine specialist, and an advocate of conservative and minimally invasive solutions that aim to get athletes back on the playing field quickly and safely. Dr. Fowler is an advocate of alternative treatment methods, including tai chi and Pilates for preventative treatment and physical rehabilitation. To find out more about treating a sports injury of the upper arm, schedule an appointment at Dr. Fowler's Atlanta, GA office. |
Caused by repetitive motion of the upper arm, sports injuries of the shoulder and elbow typically take the form of common conditions such as tennis elbow, swimmer's shoulder, rotator cuff tears, and labral tears. These musculoskeletal problems are overuse injuries, caused by repetitive upper arm motions, such as serving in tennis, pitching in baseball, or swinging in hockey.