Elbow

Specialized care for elbow pain and injuries

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Our team of orthopedic specialists at UTMB Health is dedicated to treating elbow injuries and conditions with the latest techniques and personalized care. From managing chronic pain and tendon problems to repairing fractures and performing surgeries, we aim to restore your elbow’s function and mobility. We’ll work closely with you to develop a plan that helps you regain strength and get back to your daily activities, because we’re committed to patient-centered treatment.

Conditions We Treat: Generic
Conditions We Treat
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FAQ: Generic
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Schedule an Appointment: Ortho Shoulder / Elbow
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  Conditions We Treat

Overuse Injuries

Golfer’s Elbow

Olecranon Bursitis

Tennis Elbow

Fractures & Dislocations

Distal Humerus Fracture

Elbow Dislocation

Olecranon Fracture

Radial Head Fracture

Other Conditions

Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture

Elbow Instability

Elbow Stiffness

Triceps Tendon Tear

Nerve Entrapment

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Ulnar Nerve Irritation

Arthritis Conditions

Osteoarthritis of the Elbow

Post-Traumatic Arthritis of the Elbow

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Elbow
Man in gym with look of worry on his face experiencing joint problem, discomfort, or arthritis, holding his elbow

Can’t find what you're looking for? Contact the care team at the clinic for assistance.

  Your Care Team Each provider may treat different conditions. Click on a profile to see their areas of specialty.

Altintas, Burak
Burak Altintas, MD
Burak Altintas, MD
Orthopedics – Shoulder and Elbow | Sports Medicine | Trauma
Gregg, Carolyn
Carolyn Gregg, PA
Carolyn Gregg, PA
Orthopedics - General | Sports Medicine | Knee Joint Replacement | Shoulder and Elbow
Lindeman, Robert
Robert Lindeman, MD
Robert Lindeman, MD
Orthopedics - Shoulder and Elbow | Sports Medicine
McDonald, Craig, MD
Craig McDonald, MD
Craig McDonald, MD
Orthopedics - General | Spine | Sports Medicine | Hand and Wrist | Foot and Ankle| Hip and Knee Joint Replacement | Shoulder and Elbow | Pediatric
Nolte, Selena
Selena Nolte, MSPAS, PA-C
Selena Nolte, MSPAS, PA-C
Orthopedics - General | Sports Medicine | Hand and Wrist | Foot and Ankle| Hip and Knee Joint Replacement | Shoulder and Elbow
Smith, Brian, MD
Brian Smith, MD
Brian Smith, MD
Orthopedics - Shoulder and Elbow | Knee Joint Replacement | Sports Medicine
Somerson, Jeremy
Jeremy Somerson, MD
Jeremy Somerson, MD
Orthopedics - Shoulder and Elbow | Sports Medicine
Sorich, Megan
Megan Sorich, DO, FAAOS, FACS
Megan Sorich, DO, FAAOS, FACS
Orthopedics - General | Trauma | Shoulder and Elbow
Weiss, William
William Weiss, MD, MSc, FRCSC
William Weiss, MD, MSc, FRCSC
Orthopedics - General | Sports Medicine | Foot & Ankle | Shoulder and Elbow | Knee Joint Replacement

 Frequently Asked Questions.

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  • Why should I choose a fellowship trained elbow surgeon?

    Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons complete an additional year of specialized training after medical school and a five-year residency. This extra year focuses on a specific subspecialty, allowing them to gain deep expertise through concentrated surgical, clinical, and research experience.

    Patients seeing our fellowship-trained elbow orthopedic surgeon at UTMB benefit from care provided by a highly qualified expert in this specific area. Our specialist's membership in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) further highlights their advanced training and clinical expertise.

  • What should I expect during my visit?
    The initial visit will include a comprehensive medical history evaluation and full examination of the area concerned by one of our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons. Additional diagnostic imaging such an X-ray or MRI may be necessary to assist in determining a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis has been determined, your surgeon will develop a treatment plan that may include medication, injections, physical therapy, or surgery.

  • What if surgery is recommended? What should I expect?
    Your doctor will discuss pre-operative instructions and details about your operation and recovery treatment plan prior to your operation. Generally, procedures for the elbow are completed in a day and don’t require an overnight stay at the hospital. Upon discharge, assistive devices, such as a brace, sling, or splint to immobilize the joint, will be provided by our UTMB staff. Also, conveniently located at our Galveston, League City, and Clear Lake campuses are outpatient pharmacies prepared to fill any post-operative pain management medications you are prescribed upon discharge.

  • What are the most common causes of elbow pain?
    Elbow pain often stems from overuse injuries, such as tendinitis, bursitis, or nerve compression. It can also result from acute injuries like fractures, dislocations, or ligament sprains. Arthritis, though less common in the elbow than other joints, can also be a cause.

  • When should I see an orthopedic specialist for elbow pain?
    It's advisable to see an orthopedic specialist if your elbow pain is severe, persistent, or significantly limits your daily activities. You should also seek medical attention if you experience numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers, weakness, visible deformity, or if the pain resulted from a direct injury or fall.

  • What non-surgical treatments are available for elbow conditions?

    Many elbow conditions respond well to conservative treatments. These often include rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility, bracing or splinting, and activity modification. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be considered.

    Recovery time varies significantly depending on the specific surgery performed. Generally, you can expect a period of immobilization (e.g., in a sling or cast), followed by a structured physical therapy program to regain range of motion, strength, and function. Full recovery can take several weeks to many months. We’ll provide you with a personalized rehabilitation plan.

  • How can I prevent elbow injuries?
    Prevention strategies include proper warm-up before physical activity, using correct technique during sports or repetitive tasks, gradually increasing activity intensity, and incorporating strength and flexibility exercises for the forearm and shoulder into your routine. Listening to your body and resting when experiencing discomfort are also important.
Young woman with elbow pain is being examined by a male physiatrist at UTMB Health.

  Our Locations

Orthopedics, Alvin
Orthopedics, Angleton DBB
Orthopedics, Clear Lake Campus
Orthopedics, Friendswood
Orthopedics, League City Campus
Orthopedics, PCP Galveston
Orthopedics, Texas City
Woman holding hand and wrist

Discover how Dr. Qin can help restore function, decrease pain in the hands, wrist at UTMB Health

When hand and wrist pain, or dysfunction disrupts daily life, even the simplest tasks can become challenging.

At UTMB Health, Dr. Baijing Qin, a plastic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist surgery, is dedicated to restoring and revitalizing hand and wrist health. Her expertise spans a wide range of conditions, offering patients comprehensive solutions for both functional restoration and aesthetic needs.

Dr. Qin's expertise: precision meets complexity

Dr. Qin's specialization stems from a profound understanding of the hand and wrist's complexities, honed through her plastic surgery training.

“The hand is a very intricate area with diverse tissues, including tendons, nerves, muscles and bones,” Dr. Qin said. “Plastic surgeons are trained in handling tissue in an intricate and delicate manner, allowing me to precisely manipulate the tissues to restore function and appearance.”

Dr. Qin provides comprehensive care for a wide spectrum of hand and wrist conditions affecting patients of all ages. This includes common issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and trigger finger.

Some of the hand and wrist disorders Dr. Qin treats include:

  • Fractures
  • De Quervian's tenosynovitis
  • Deformities
  • Mucous cysts
  • Stiffness
  • Pain
  • Dupuytren's contracture

Many of these disorders, including fractures, arthritis, deformities and Dupuytren's contracture, can significantly impact joint function, causing pain and stiffness, and Dr. Qin's expertise allows her to provide targeted treatments to restore mobility and alleviate discomfort.

Treatment options

Prolonged pain and stiffness can severely diminish one's quality of life, hindering daily activities and emotional well-being. Furthermore, the negative impacts on health from untreated joint dysfunction can lead to progressive deterioration, limited long-term functionality and potential secondary complications.

Before considering surgical interventions, Dr. Qin explores all appropriate non-surgical options, including physical therapy, splinting and injections, to manage pain and improve function. However, when these conservative approaches prove insufficient, she provides a variety of surgical options tailored to individual patient needs.

These procedures range from joint replacements and fusions for arthritis to nerve release for carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendon repairs for injuries. Her expertise ensures patients receive comprehensive surgical care to restore hand and wrist function and alleviate pain.

“To ensure patients can make informed decisions, I discuss all available options, including those I don't personally provide,” Dr. Qin said. “I take the time to sit with each patient and thoroughly review the pros and cons, giving them the information they need to exercise their autonomy.”

Identifying hand conditions

Recognizing the signs of hand pain or dysfunction is crucial. Dr. Qin advised seeking professional help when symptoms persist.

“If you're having a hand or wrist issue that persists for longer than a week or two and interferes with daily activities, it's important to see a doctor,” Dr. Qin said. “Anything that hinders your ability to perform tasks or enjoy hobbies should be taken seriously.”

Hand and wrist dysfunction and pain are often caused by overuse or exacerbated by underlying medical conditions. Dr. Qin noted that occupational overuse is a significant factor in many hand and wrist conditions. Individuals with jobs involving frequent hand and wrist movements are particularly susceptible. Medical conditions such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases can predispose patients to neuropathic disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

“Listen to your body and take breaks to avoid overstressing your joints,” Dr. Qin said. “For those with underlying conditions, managing the primary condition can help alleviate hand and joint symptoms.”

In addition to functional restoration, Dr. Qin provides hand rejuvenation services and brachioplasties, enhancing overall hand aesthetics.

“We offer fillers, lasers and fat grafting to improve hand appearance,” Dr. Qin said. “These procedures can also help maintain tissue elasticity and volume, which can indirectly support joint health.”

Appointments with Dr. Qin can be scheduled online or by calling the UTMB Health hotline at 800-917-8906.

To learn more about Dr. Qin and other plastic surgery providers, visit UTMB Health's plastic surgery page.

 

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.

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