Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 9/7/2008

Question
I have been dealing with elbow pain for a very long time.  I broke my elbow when I was 2, and I have dislocated it twice since then.  When I was in high school, I had a cheerleading injury where another girl was above me holding onto my hand and she fell straight down on me.  My elbow locked, and my shoulder was pushed downward tearing my rotator cuff.  I was recently in an accident in which I reached out with my arm to catch a very large heavy piece of scenery that ended up fracturing the humerus in my shoulder. (All of these injuries occurred to the same arm.)

I have seen several different doctors in between all of this for pain in my elbow, and they all tell me that it's tendonitis.  I am now 24 years old, and sick of dealing with this now almost constant pain.  The pain occurs on the inside of my elbow, and it feels as though something is moving in and out of place when I bend and straighten my elbow.  When I straighten my elbow, I get a shooting, electric shock sensation down my forearm, and I get a tingling sensation in my pinkie and ring finger.  I also, have frequent pain in my wrist, and my hand swells quite often.  

I have read up on tendonitis, and the diagnosis just doesn't seem to fit my symptoms.  Any advice on what you think it may be, and what I should do about this would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
elbow pain, elbow dislocation, rotator cuff tear, fractured humerus, tendonitis, out of place, tingling sensation little finger, wrist pain, hand swelling,

Hello Ashley,

Sorry to hear of your injuries and condition.

I agree this is not just tendonitis.  There may be tendons that are inflammed, physical exam by an appropriate health professional can evaluate for that; but this seems more complicated then just 'tendonitis'.

I would recommend a local family Doctor of Chiropractic, preferably one with additional credentials.  For instance, this Staten Island Chiropractor (me) is proud to say that I am A DACBSP- a chiropractic specialist in sports injuries (see http://www.acbsp.com ).  See a Chiropractor who has credentials in Sports injuries, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation, even Radiology- ( for one heck of an Xray/ imaging workup).  Google search the American Chiropractic Association- you will find the various specialties with information.

Doctors of Chiropractic deal with musculo-skeletal problems, joint problems all day, every day.  Dealing primarily with the spine and spinal joints, but also dealing with extremities.  So, as I said earlier, I would recommend a Doctor of Chiropractic with DACBSP, DACBO, DACRB, DACBR credentials.  

Examination and perhaps treatment, if appropriate could be performed at the DCs office.  Your problems are many and longstanding. Do not expect a quick or easy answer.  You need appropraite treatment, patience, and discipline to do the homework- exercises that will be necessary.

I agree it does not seem to be only tendonitis.

A complete thorough workup must be performed.

Chiropractic would be a good choice.

Your ELBOW seems to be the primary problem, but there are probably contributing factors in the shoulder, neck and wrist.

The ELBOW also seems to be irritating, pinching, compromising your ULNAR nerve.  Whoever you go to----- mention ULNAR nerve.  Numbness/ tingling/ pain down the little finger side of the arm is a sign that the Ulnar nerve is entrapped, pinched, irritated--- usually at the elbow.  That is a priority to be evaluated/ treated.  MRI, emg/ncv may be needed to evaluate the Ulnar nerve.

You need work on the ELBOW, then secondarily the shoulder/ neck/ wrist.  Manipulation/ exercise/ therapy/ nutritional support could all be aspects of treatment, all performed at the Chiropractor's office.

Given your long history of repeated injury, I do not envy your long rehab road ahead.

Good Luck.  I wish you Good Health Naturally, your Staten Island Chiropractor friend signing off,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
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