Schedule Appointment
Home > Specialties > Elbow

Elbow Pain & Injury Treatment

From tendon injuries to joint conditions, our elbow specialists diagnose and treat pain that limits strength, motion, and daily activity—helping you return to work, sports, and life with confidence.

Get back to what moves you - Relief for pain, stiffness and injury.

If elbow pain is making it hard to lift, carry, or even rest comfortably, you’re not alone. Elbow pain can sneak into everyday life — from lifting groceries, typing at work, to enjoying sports or hobbies. For some, it follows a sudden injury. For others, it develops gradually from repetitive strain or wear and tear. Whatever the cause, living with elbow discomfort can make even the simplest tasks frustrating.

At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, our orthopedic elbow specialists are here to listen, diagnose, and guide you toward lasting relief.

Elbow Care

When to see an elbow specialist

Mild soreness may improve with rest and over-the-counter medication. But if pain lingers, limits your movement, or keeps coming back, it may be time to see an elbow specialist. Early care can prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems down the road, so it is important to know what to look for.

You may benefit from seeing an elbow specialist if you notice:

  • Pain or tenderness on the inside or outside of the elbow.
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling around the joint
  • Tingling or numbness radiating down the forearm into the hand
  • Difficulty and pain when trying to fully extend your arm
  • A clicking or popping sound when moving your elbow
  • Pain that worsens with repetitive movements
  • Radiating pain from the shoulder to the elbow
  • Ongoing pain from a sports related problem

Having any of the symptoms above may indicate one of the following common elbow problems or injuries:

The elbow is a complex joint, and different issues can cause similar symptoms. That’s why a proper evaluation by an elbow specialist is so important.

What to expect at your appointment with an elbow specialist

What to Expect at Your Appointment with an Elbow Specialist

We understand it can feel stressful not knowing what’s causing your pain. Our elbow care team takes the time to listen and explain, so you leave with clear answers and a custom treatment plan. 

Here’s what you may expect from your first visit:

  • A conversation about your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle goals.
  • A gentle exam to check movement, strength, and stability.
  • Imaging (like X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound) if needed to see inside the joint. *If you had imaging done previously, please bring this to your appointment.*
  • A personalized treatment plan designed to relieve pain and restore function.

Innovative Treatment Options

No two elbows — or patients — are alike. That’s why we offer a variety of treatment options, beginning with the most conservative approaches. For many people, non-surgical care such as therapy, bracing, or injections can provide significant relief. If surgery is needed, our specialists use advanced techniques designed to reduce recovery time and support long-term success.

Some of our treatment options include:

  • Non-surgical care, including physical therapy, activity modification, bracing, and injection therapies
  • Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures to diagnose and treat cartilage, ligament, and soft tissue injuries
  • Advanced surgical techniques for complex elbow conditions when conservative care is not effective
  • Personalized treatment planning based on your condition, goals, and activity level
  • Comprehensive rehabilitation and recovery support to promote healing and long-term joint function
Innovative Treatment Options
Why choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics for elbow care?

Why Choose Bluegrass Orthopaedics for Elbow Care?

Choosing the right specialist can make all the difference in your recovery. At Bluegrass Orthopaedics, we’re proud to pair compassionate, patient-centered care with the advanced expertise and technology of a leading orthopedic practice. For more than 30 years, we’ve cared for Kentucky families, offering innovative treatments from our board-certified and fellowship-trained surgeons—so you can feel confident you’re receiving exceptional care, close to home. We don’t just treat your elbow — we treat you as a whole person, tailoring our approach to your needs and goals.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Fellowship-trained specialists in elbow and sports medicine
  • Expertise in both surgical and non-surgical treatments
  • Access to the latest imaging and minimally invasive techniques
  • A team approach that keeps your overall health in focus
  • Personalized care plans to help you get back to work, sports, and life with confidence
  • Orthopedic Clinics and Physical Therapy locations in Georgetown, Lexington, London, Morehead, Nicholasville, Richmond and Somerset, Kentucky.

Meet Our Elbow Orthopedic Surgeons

Dr. Ryan Donegan, MD, MS

Ryan P. Donegan, MD, MS

Elbow, Shoulder, Joint Replacement, Sports Medicine

View Bio
J. Martin Favetto, M.D.

J. Martin Favetto, MD

Hand, Wrist & Elbow

View Bio
Dr. Victor Marwin, MD

Dr. Victor Marwin, MD, MBA

Hand & Wrist, Elbow, Shoulder & Joint Replacement

View Bio
Dr. Owen McGonigle MD

Dr. Owen McGonigle, MD

Sports Medicine, Elbow, Shoulder, Hip, Knee & Joint Replacement

View Bio

Hear What Our Patients Have to Say

BGO Icon

Compassionate, Informative Elbow Replacement Care

Dr Favetto was very compassionate & informative about what to expect for my elbow replacement following an injury - all risks & expectations were fully explained including possible complications & outcomes. I was very impressed with the Dr’s experience & comfort with the procedure.

- Linnette DeTienne
BGO Icon

Great Care For Broken Elbow

Wonderful with my 6 year old with a broken elbow. Couldn't ask for a better doctor.

- Anonymous
BGO Icon

Excellent Care For Crushed Elbow

Dr Favetto has done excellent work on my Husbands crushed Elbow. He is very professional, informative,& attentive. And he has excellent bedside manner. He has been a blessing to us. We are very thankful for him .

- Harold Lockard( Marsha)

Elbow Care - Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions cause elbow pain?
Elbow pain can be caused by overuse injuries, tendon conditions such as tennis or golfer’s elbow, ligament injuries, arthritis, nerve compression, or trauma. An orthopedic evaluation can help identify the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Do I need surgery right away for elbow pain?

In most cases, surgery is not the first step for treating elbow pain. Many elbow conditions improve with conservative care such as physical therapy, activity modification, bracing, or injections. Your orthopedic specialist will perform a thorough evaluation and recommend surgery only if non-surgical treatments are not effective or if your condition requires it.

How long does it take to recover from elbow surgery?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure, the severity of the condition, and your overall health. Some minimally invasive elbow surgeries may allow patients to begin gentle movement within a few weeks, while more complex procedures can require a longer rehabilitation period. Your care team will provide a personalized recovery plan to support healing and restore function as safely and efficiently as possible.
Can physical therapy really help elbow pain?
Yes. Physical therapy is often one of the most effective treatments for elbow pain. Targeted exercises can help reduce pain, improve strength and flexibility, and restore normal movement. For many patients, physical therapy can significantly improve symptoms and may help avoid the need for surgery altogether.
Do you offer same-day appointments?
Yes! We offer same-day appointments whenever possible to help you get care quickly. For urgent orthopedic injuries, our BGONow Orthopedic Urgent Care is available at select locations across Kentucky. This allows you to skip the ER and be seen directly by an orthopedic specialist — saving you time and money while ensuring expert care.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Elbow pain doesn’t have to slow you down. Whether you’re an athlete hoping to return to your sport, a parent who wants to play with your kids without discomfort, or simply someone who misses daily activities without pain, our team is ready to help.

Schedule your appointment with our elbow specialists today — and take the first step toward relief, strength, and restored motion.

Request an Appointment