When to see a pain management doctor for elbow pain

You use your elbows more than you realize. From lifting a grocery bag and turning a doorknob to swinging a tennis racket or typing at a desk, your elbows are involved in almost every upper-body movement. So, when a dull ache turns into sharp pain or chronic stiffness, it can bring your daily routine to a screeching halt.

Most of us try to power through joint pain. We apply ice, take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories and hope it goes away on its own. But what happens when the pain stays? Or worse, when it starts to affect your sleep and your ability to work?

Living with persistent elbow pain isn't something you just have to accept. While mild strains often heal with rest, chronic issues require a deeper look. This blog post will help you understanding what causes elbow pain and when you should consider seeing a pain management specialist like Dr. Edrick Lopez.

Understanding elbow pain

Elbow pain is often categorized as an overuse injury. Because the joint is a meeting point for several muscles and tendons in your arm, repetitive motions can lead to inflammation and micro-tears.

You have likely heard of "tennis elbow" (pain on the outside of the elbow) or "golfer's elbow" (pain on the inside). However, these conditions aren't limited to athletes. Plumbers, painters, office workers and anyone who performs repetitive gripping or twisting motions can develop these issues. Other causes include arthritis, bursitis or nerve entrapment.

Regardless of the medical name, the result is the same: discomfort that limits your range of motion and lowers your quality of life.

What is a pain management doctor?

If your primary care physician has already recommended rest and medication but you aren't seeing results, you might wonder what the next step is. This is where a pain management doctor comes in.

A pain management doctor is a specialist with advanced training in evaluating, diagnosing and treating various types of pain. Unlike a general practitioner who might focus on broad health, a specialist like Dr. Lopez looks at pain as a complex condition that requires a comprehensive approach.

It's important to note that pain management specialists don't just mask symptoms with medication. They use a combination of treatments—medical, physical and interventional—to target the source of the pain and provide long-term relief. Best of all, they work within your specific lifestyle parameters to design a system that works best for you, and can help you reevaluate along the way.

5 reasons to see a pain management doctor for elbow pain

Knowing when to make that appointment can be tricky. If you're on the fence, here are five signs that it is time to seek specialized care.

1. The pain persists despite initial treatment

If you've tried the "RICE" method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and over-the-counter medications for more than two weeks with no improvement, this might be an indicator that you're experiencing more chronic pain. Persistent pain suggests that there may be underlying tissue damage or inflammation that requires professional intervention.

2. You have limited range of motion

Can you fully straighten your arm? Is it difficult to brush your teeth or comb your hair? When stiffness prevents you from performing basic daily tasks, it's a sign that the joint mechanics are compromised.

3. You feel numbness or tingling

Pain is one thing, but neurological symptoms are another. If you experience numbness, tingling, or a "pins and needles" sensation in your arm, hand, or fingers, it could indicate nerve involvement. Conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome occur when nerves are compressed near the elbow, and they require prompt assessment to prevent long-term damage.

4. The pain is severe or sharp

Dull aches are common with fatigue, but sharp, shooting pain—especially when lifting objects or twisting your arm—is a red flag. This intensity often signals a more significant injury to the tendons or ligaments.

5. You suspect complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)

Though less common, CRPS can develop after an injury or trauma to the arm. It's characterized by prolonged, excessive pain and changes in skin color or temperature. This condition requires the specific expertise of a pain management physician to manage effectively.

Treatment options offered by pain management doctors

At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, we believe in a holistic approach. We don't believe in a "one size fits all" cure. Instead, we utilize a spectrum of treatments ranging from conservative therapies to advanced interventions.

Conservative treatments

Your journey often starts with non-invasive methods. This may include:

• Medication management: optimizing your current prescriptions to reduce inflammation safely.

• Physical therapy: strengthening the muscles around the elbow to take pressure off the joint.

Interventional procedures

If conservative measures aren't enough, we offer precise, minimally-invasive options:

• Injections: corticosteroid injections can provide powerful, targeted anti-inflammatory relief.

• Nerve blocks: these interrupt pain signals sent from the elbow to the brain, providing a window of relief that allows for better physical therapy progress.

• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): this procedure uses heat to quiet the nerves transmitting pain signals.

Advanced techniques

For complex cases, we utilize cutting-edge technology such as peripheral nerve stimulation. This involves placing a small device near the affected nerve to deliver mild electrical pulses, which replace the sensation of pain with a more pleasant feeling.

What to expect during your first appointment

Many patients feel nervous about seeing a specialist, but knowing what to expect can ease that anxiety. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Lopez and our staff will take the time to listen to you. We understand that you're the expert on your own body, especially if you've been living with this chronic pain for some time.

Your visit will typically include:

1. A comprehensive history review: We look at your records, past injuries and lifestyle factors.

2. Physical exam: Dr. Lopez will assess your range of motion, tenderness and strength.

3. Diagnostic testing: If necessary, we may order X-rays, MRIs or nerve conduction studies to pinpoint the problem.

Once we have a clear picture, we work with you to build a tailored plan. This might include physical therapy, procedures or a referral for surgery if absolutely necessary. Our goal is to help you live your best life, not just manage symptoms.

Choosing the right pain management doctor

Not all pain clinics are created equal. When dealing with your mobility, you want an expert with proven credentials.

Dr. Edrick Lopez is a double board-certified interventional pain management physician. His rigorous training at Harvard Medical School and the University of Texas Health Sciences Center has equipped him with the skills to handle complex pain cases.

Furthermore, Dr. Lopez is bilingual and holds a unique MD/JD degree, giving him a thorough and well-rounded perspective on patient advocacy and care. He has helped thousands of patients in the DFW area manage joint pain and regain their independence.

The role of innovation in pain management

Medicine is always advancing, and staying proactive means exploring innovative therapies. One such advancement we offer for elbow pain is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.

PRP involves drawing a small amount of your own blood, concentrating the healing platelets and injecting them directly into the injured elbow tendon. This boosts your body's natural healing process and can be a game-changer for chronic tendonitis that hasn't responded to traditional treatments.

Don't let elbow pain hold you back

Elbow pain can feel like a trap, limiting your work, your hobbies and your happiness. But you don't have to navigate it alone. If pain is dictating your schedule, it's time to bring in an expert.

Our patient philosophy is that living with pain is not your only option. Through advances in therapeutic practices and medication, we can help you find a path forward.

If you're ready to find relief, schedule a consultation with Dr. Edrick Lopez at DFW Interventional Pain Institute today. Let us help you get back to living your best life.