With the yearly incidence of simple elbow dislocations reported at about 5.21 per 100,000 persons, elbow injuries are more common than you may think. Many people suffer from elbow conditions that cause persistent pain and restricted mobility. If you're one of them, you may try to look for various forms of elbow pain treatment.

While you can find relief through non-surgical methods, there are times when elbow surgery becomes necessary. Understanding when to consider this surgery can help you make informed decisions about your health. If you're experiencing chronic elbow issues, below is a guide that explores everything you may need to know about elbow surgery.

What Are the Signs You Need Elbow Surgery?

Elbow surgery isn't the first line of treatment for elbow issues. However, you may want to consider it when other methods have failed. Knowing the signs that show you need elbow surgery can help you take charge of your health.

Common signs you need elbow surgery include:

• Persistent pain that doesn't improve with treatments such as medication or physical therapy
• Limited mobility where you have difficulty moving your elbow or a decrease in your range of motion
• Non-responsive injuries, such as severe ligament damage and elbow fractures that do not heal properly

If your symptoms worsen despite non-surgical elbow treatments, it may be time to re-evaluate your treatment plan. Ensure you consult a medical professional who can determine if surgery is the right step for you.

When Should You Consider Elbow Surgery?

You should consider elbow surgery when non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate pain or restore function. Several situations can make elbow surgery a viable option, including when:

You Suffer from Chronic Conditions

According to an empirical study done in the U.S., about 45% of adults suffer from at least one chronic condition. If you suffer from conditions like advanced osteoarthritis or tennis elbow, you may need surgical intervention if the pain affects your quality of life. Elbow surgery may involve repairing damaged tendons or removing bone spurs that cause pain and dysfunction.

You Have Severe Injuries

Acute injuries such as complex elbow dislocations and fractures may need surgery to stabilize your elbow joint. This allows for proper healing and restoration of function.

Conservative Treatments Have Failed

If non-surgical methods -- like physical therapy and medications -- do not alleviate symptoms after a reasonable period, you should consider surgery. You can assess your treatments after three to six months to note the effects.

Several factors may also influence your decision to undergo surgery. These may include your age -- if you're younger, you may need surgery to maintain your active lifestyle. However, older patients may weigh their options more cautiously due to longer recovery times and the risk of complications.

Activity level is another important factor -- athletes or people with physically demanding jobs may need surgery to return to their activities. Additionally, your overall health plays a role. If you have underlying health conditions, it may affect injury recovery.

What Are the Different Types of Elbow Surgery?

Surgery can treat several elbow conditions. Here are the most common types of elbow surgery available:

• Arthroscopy: It involves inserting a small camera into the elbow joint to diagnose and treat various conditions
• Ligament Reconstruction: Often performed for cases of ligament tears, such as ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries
• Joint Replacement: In severe cases of arthritis or severe joint damage, partial or total elbow joint replacement may be necessary

Each type of elbow surgery has its benefits and is best suited for specific conditions. Consult with an elbow surgeon to determine which option is right for you.

How Can Elbow Surgery Help?

Elbow surgery offers several benefits that can improve your quality of life. Let's explore the key advantages:

Pain Relief

CDC reports that nearly 6.9% of people experience high-impact chronic pain. If you suffer from chronic elbow pain, it can often limit your life or work on most days. Luckily, elbow surgery can offer pain relief.

Improved Mobility

Got mobility issues due to elbow injuries? Surgery can help restore or improve your range of motion lost due to injury or degenerative conditions. As a result, you can return to your routine daily activities without discomfort.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Elbow surgery helps reduce pain and improve mobility. This allows patients to enjoy a higher quality of life -- free from the limitations.

The success rate of elbow surgeries is often high when performed by experienced surgeons. You can expect a huge improvement in symptoms and function post-operation.

What Is the Recovery Process Like After Elbow Surgery?

Just went through elbow surgery? Recovery from elbow surgery often involves several stages, including:

Step 1: Initial Post-Operative Care

After surgery, you will need to wear a splint or brace to immobilize the elbow and promote healing. To manage pain and reduce swelling, pain medications, and ice therapy can come in handy.

Step 2: Rehabilitation

Once you start healing, physical therapy can help you restore strength and mobility in your elbow. You can start with gentle post-surgery exercises.

Step 3: Follow-Up Visits

Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon help to monitor healing. It also allows you to adjust your rehabilitation plans when needed.

To enhance healing, other surgery recovery tips include staying active and following the doctor's orders. Ensure you remain positive during recovery.

Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives for Elbow Pain?

Before considering elbow surgery, you may want to explore non-surgical alternatives for elbow pain. Here are options to consider

• Physical therapy
• Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications
• Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

These alternatives can be effective for many patients. However, if symptoms persist, elbow surgery is your next best option.

Reclaim Your Mobility and a Pain-Free Life With Qualified Specialists

Timely and appropriate treatment for elbow conditions can help prevent long-term damage. While non-surgical options like physical therapy and medications can be effective, elbow surgery may be the best choice for achieving long-term relief. Knowing the signs that show the need for the surgery will help you make the right choice.

Are you experiencing persistent elbow pain? Need relief?

Look no further than Prime Surgical in Granite Falls, North Carolina. Our experts provide compassionate care and personalized consultations to help you navigate your elbow surgery and treatments. Don't let elbow pain hold you back -- reach out to us today.

Patient care is at the heart of everything Prime Surgical Suites does. Our dynamic group of expert physicians leads the way by providing advanced techniques and facilities, an enlightened approach to affordable treatment and care, and a profoundly personal connection to everyone we care for. Contact us today to schedule an opportunity to learn more.