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Dr. Ahmed Gadallah

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U·02Upper limb

Elbow pain & conditions

Elbow pain can develop from overuse, tendon problems, sports injuries, arthritis or trauma and may affect lifting, gripping and comfortable arm movement.

Fig. — ElbowU·02
3D figure of the human body highlighting the elbow

01Common conditions

Common elbow conditions

The most frequent causes of elbow problems, how they usually show up and the treatment options that may be considered after assessment.

01 · U·02

Tennis elbow

Overload of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow that lift the wrist and fingers. It is common in people who grip, lift or use tools repeatedly.

Common signs

  • Pain on the outer side of the elbow
  • Pain when gripping, lifting or twisting
  • A weaker grip

Treatment options

  • Activity modification
  • Physiotherapy
  • PRP or other injections
  • Surgery is rarely needed
Read about PRP & Joint Injections →

02 · U·02

Golfer’s elbow

Overload of the tendons on the inner side of the elbow that bend the wrist and fingers.

Common signs

  • Pain on the inner side of the elbow
  • Pain when gripping or bending the wrist
  • Stiffness after activity

Treatment options

  • Activity modification
  • Physiotherapy
  • Injections
Read about PRP & Joint Injections →

03 · U·02

Elbow injuries & fractures

Falls and sports injuries can damage the bones, ligaments or cartilage of the elbow.

Common signs

  • Pain and swelling after an injury
  • Difficulty bending or straightening the elbow
  • Instability or a visible deformity

Treatment options

  • Splint or cast
  • Rehabilitation
  • Surgical fixation when needed
Read about Fractures & Trauma →

04 · U·02

Elbow arthritis & stiffness

Wear, inflammation or a previous injury can cause pain and a gradual loss of elbow movement.

Common signs

  • Stiffness
  • Locking or catching
  • Pain at the end of movement

Treatment options

  • Physiotherapy
  • Injections
  • Arthroscopic release in selected cases
Read about Arthroscopy →

02When to see a specialist

Signs it is time for an assessment

  • Pain that lasts more than a few weeks or keeps coming back
  • Swelling, locking, catching or giving way
  • Weakness, numbness or tingling
  • Pain that wakes you at night or limits daily activities
  • Pain after an injury, especially if it is hard to bear weight or use the limb

Urgent care: a severe injury, an obvious deformity, being unable to bear weight, or a hot, red, swollen joint with fever needs urgent medical attention.

03Our approach

Surgery isn’t always the first answer.

  1. 01
    UnderstandExamination, a review of your imaging and a clear explanation of what is causing the problem.
  2. 02
    Conservative careRehabilitation, activity modification and non-surgical approaches when clinically appropriate.
  3. 03
    Targeted treatmentInjections, minimally invasive options and modern techniques selected according to the diagnosis.
  4. 04
    Surgery when it helpsSurgical treatment is considered when it offers a clear and meaningful benefit for the patient.

Explore all treatments →

Next stepBook an assessment

Not sure what is causing your pain?

A clear diagnosis comes first. Send a message on WhatsApp and the team will help you choose the right clinic and time.

This page is general information to help you understand common orthopedic conditions. It does not replace a medical consultation, and your diagnosis and treatment options are always discussed individually.