Sports Elbow Injuries

Receiving evidence-based care and optimal outcomes from an orthopaedic surgeon.

Sports-related elbow injuries are common among athletes and active individuals, particularly those involved in throwing, racquet sports, or strength training. Injuries like these can lead to pain, reduced range of motion, and impaired performance if not diagnosed and treated appropriately.

Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon in Adelaide, specialising in elbow and upper limb injuries. He offers comprehensive care for a wide range of elbow conditions caused by sports or overuse, from initial diagnosis to non-surgical and surgical management.

Make an appointment

Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell | ASULC | Adelaide Shoulder & Upper Limb Clinic | Elbow Surgery

Overuse of the shoulder causes sporting injuries in this body part. Injuries can be caused by repetitive biceps contractions or extension and twisting of the wrist.

The extensor tendon located on the elbow's outside is often affected by sporting injuries. The tendons inside the elbow are affected by others. Posterior impingement occurs when the elbow's bone and cartilage become inflamed. Cartilage pieces may break due to sporting injuries, and these pieces float within the joint, resulting in pain and inflammation.

Common Elbow Conditions Caused by Playing Sport

Tennis Elbow

Golfer's Elbow

Distal Biceps Rupture

Posterior Impingement

Elbow Dislocation

Treatment of Sports Injuries of the Elbow

Some sports injuries may benefit from non-surgical treatment.

Such treatments may include:

The consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs for the reduction of swelling and pain
Allowing the elbow to rest (specifically for repetition injuries)
Immobilising and supporting the elbow via a splint or strap
Physiotherapy exercises
Corticosteroid injections for swelling or pain reduction

Surgery may be required as soon as possible for complex conditions such as distal biceps ruptures.

Symptoms from Sports Elbow Injuries

Elbow sporting injuries usually are painful and are marked by distinctive symptoms. Seek treatment if you have any of the following symptoms. Permanent damage can be prevented through early intervention.

Pain and tenderness are experienced when putting pressure on the elbow's outside.
Pain when partaking in heavy lifting
Elbow locking or clicking (which may cause pain)
Weakness or pain when attempting to grip items
Pain when partaking in clenching movements or shaking hands
Sharp pains that extend from the elbow to the arm or hand
Elbow and forearm weakness
Pain when stretching fingers
Elbow aches when sleeping or resting

Diagnosis and Imaging

Dr Brumby-Rendell will conduct a detailed assessment, which includes:

Clinical examination of the elbow joint, strength, and range of motion
Activity and sport-specific history review
Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to identify soft tissue and structural injuries

A precise diagnosis allows for a targeted treatment plan that supports safe return to sport.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Most sports-related elbow injuries can be managed without surgery, especially when caught early.

Conservative treatment may include:

Activity modification and rest
Anti-inflammatory medications
Physiotherapy focusing on strength and flexibility
Bracing or taping during activity
Corticosteroid injections for pain relief (in selected cases)
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for tendon healing (if appropriate)

A structured rehabilitation program is essential to reduce the risk of re-injury and restore full function.

Surgical Treatment for Sports Elbow Injuries

If non-surgical treatment fails or if the injury is severe, Dr Brumby-Rendell may recommend minimally invasive elbow surgery.

Surgical options include:

Tendon debridement or repair for chronic epicondylitis
UCL reconstruction (Tommy John Surgery) for ligament tears
Arthroscopic surgery for cartilage injuries or joint stiffness
Bursectomy for chronic bursitis
Fragment removal or fixation in cases of osteochondritis dissecans

Surgery is followed by a personalised rehabilitation plan to ensure optimal recovery and return to sport.

Recovery and Return to Play

Recovery timelines vary depending on the injury and treatment method. General milestones include:

Return to light activity: 2–6 weeks (non-surgical)
Sport-specific rehab: Begins 6–12 weeks post-injury or surgery
Full return to competitive sport: Typically 3–6 months after surgery

Dr Brumby-Rendell works closely with sports physiotherapists and athletic trainers to ensure a safe and effective return to play.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can early changes in throwing mechanics help reduce the risk of medial elbow injuries in overhead athletes?

Yes. Small adjustments in how an athlete throws (for example, arm slot, elbow flexion angle, follow-through) can significantly reduce stress on the medial elbow (including the ulnar collateral ligament).

Proper conditioning and technique are key. Research indicates that conditioning the whole kinetic chain (hips, trunk, shoulder) reduces elbow strain.

How does fatigue impact the risk of elbow injury during sports, and what can athletes do about it?

What role does imaging play in differentiating among types of elbow sports injuries (e.g. tendon vs ligament vs growth-plate injuries)?

Imaging is very helpful in clarifying what structure is injured, how severe it is, and whether there are associated complications. MRI, ultrasound, or sometimes X-rays can show tendon tears, UCL sprains or ruptures, cartilage damage, or growth plate (apophyseal) injuries (especially in younger athletes).

This helps determine whether conservative treatment will likely suffice or whether surgical intervention may be needed.

When should an athlete consider progressive throwing or sport-specific movements during rehab?

Sport-specific movements (like throwing) are usually introduced only after general strength, flexibility, and stability have been restored and the injured structure is sufficiently healed.

Depending on injury severity, this can be several weeks to months into rehab. The athlete must be pain-free in lower-demand tasks first, then gradually increase load, distance, intensity, and finally speed. Monitoring symptoms throughout is essential.

How do outcomes differ between non-surgical and surgical procedures in high-demand sports elbow injuries?

Non-surgical treatment (rest, rehab, bracing) can work well for many athletes, especially for mild-to-moderate injuries, but outcomes may take longer. Surgical repair or reconstruction (such as UCL reconstruction in throwers) tends to have stricter rehab timelines and longer time away from sport, but may allow return to high levels of competition where non-surgical treatment cannot fully restore stability or performance.

Athletes must weigh risks, expected timelines, and their sport-specific performance goals.

What ongoing strategies help prevent recurring elbow injuries once an athlete has returned to sport?

Maintenance and prevention are vital. These include:

Periodic strength and flexibility assessments, especially for wrist, forearm, shoulder, and core.
Monitoring workload (throw counts, rest periods) and avoiding abrupt increases in intensity.
Using proper warm-ups, cooldowns, and mobility work.
Ensuring technique is reviewed periodically (especially as fatigue or growth/skeletal changes occur).
Using braces or supports when appropriate during high-risk activities.

Book a consultation with Dr Oscar

Why Choose Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell for Sports Elbow Injury Care?

Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell is highly experienced in treating sports-related elbow injuries using evidence-based, personalised approaches. He supports both recreational and elite athletes with:

Timely and accurate diagnosis
Non-operative and surgical expertise
Collaborative rehabilitation planning
Focus on long-term joint health and performance

His Adelaide-based clinic provides comprehensive upper limb care for athletes of all levels.

Ready to learn more?

Learn more about tennis elbows and other elbow-related injuries with Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell.

Once you have a referral…

Book your consultation here.

Appointments