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It is estimated that over 20 million Germans suffer from joint pain. According to a study conducted by the Ruhr Universität Bochum, this figure increases to two out of five people in people aged 40 to 49 years. However, only every third person goes visits their doctor when suffering from joint pain, although modern therapy methods could often provide quick relief.

Causes

Causes of joint pain

The most frequent causes of joint pain are injuries and degenerative illnesses. In the case of joint injuries sustained during professional and hobby sport or occupational acute physical stress, tendons, cartilage, ligaments and bones can become damaged. Damage from wear (arthritis) is generally caused by uneven or too great a strain on the joint surface. Sport injuries to the knee (cruciate ligament tear, meniscus tear), the shoulder (rotator cuff tear, labrum tear) and other joints that have been insufficiently treated can also trigger premature arthritis.

It is important that arthritis be diagnosed at an early stage to increase the chances of recovery. The reason for this is that if arthritis is first diagnosed at an advanced stage, artificial joint replacement is often the only remedy. This is often linked to significant restrictions, especially for younger, active persons.

Inflammatory processes can also act as a trigger. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, which affects mostly the joints in the hand and foot, parts of the joint tissue are regarded as foreign by the body, for example. This generally triggers an extremely painful defence mechanism. Early diagnosis is essential to avoid consequential damage.

Our treatment options

Diagnosis

Joint pain is not only caused by injury or degenerative illness (arthritis). Numerous autoimmune diseases, bacterial infections or metabolic problems can affect the joints and lead to cartilage atrophy and inflammatory joint changes. A precise diagnosis is thus of crucial significance for the correct treatment.

To determine the cause of acute or chronic joint pain, it is necessary to perform an in-depth clinical examination and additional imaging diagnostic procedures by means of ultrasound (sonography), X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT).

Based on this information, we are able to create an individual therapy concept for our patients. This focuses initially on the broad range of conservative therapy options, as the majority of joint complaints can generally be treated safely and effectively with these.

Treatment – conservative

The basis for conservative treatment is initially specific minimally invasive pain therapy. Medication can relieve the pain and inhibit inflammation during the treatment. Depending on the cause of the joint pain, physiotherapy, strengthening and stretching of the muscles and sports that are easy on the joints such as swimming and cycling can relieve the complaints by building up the muscles and relieving the joints.

Conservative treatments also include heat and cold treatments, water and bath therapy, electrotherapy and ultrasound as well as hyaluronic acid injections and injections of blood plasma (PRP). Orthopaedic aids can also be applied depending on the problem, for example bandages, wedge pillows, booster seats, buffer heels or customised shoe inlays.

Treatment – operative

f the conservative treatment methods do not lead to the desired relief, or if there is already serious damage to the joints due to injury or wear, operative therapy options can be used as a remedy.

Most joint problems can be relieved or cured with an operation. The selection of treatment methods is based on the type and localisation of the causative disorder. As a result of the constant technical progress in medicine, we essentially use state-of-the-art, so-called minimally invasive techniques that do not damage tissue.

Arthroscopy, a gentler version of the surgical procedure on the joint, provides relief from joint pain. This method can be used on the knee to successfully treat a torn meniscus, cartilage damage or a tear in the cruciate ligament. Impingement syndrome (swimmer’s shoulder), a labrum tear (instability) or a tear in the rotary cuff on the shoulder can be extremely well-treated with keyhole surgery. We also perform arthroscopic operations very successfully on the ankle and hip joints. The surgical instruments are inserted through a small incision – reducing the healing time.

If there is acute cartilage damage, cartilage cell transplantation can eliminate the pain. This involves removing healthy cartilage cells from the joint, growing them in the laboratory and finally implanting them in the joint in a minimally invasive manner.

If the joint pain, which has been caused by wear, is too far advanced, often the only option for pain relief is a partial (hemi prosthesis, sled prosthesis) or complete end prosthesis (knee prosthesis, hip prosthesis, shoulder prosthesis). In this procedure, the damaged joint section is removed and replaced with an implant individually adapted to the needs of the patient. This operation is generally conducted in a minimally invasive manner and thus as gently as possible.

Prof. Dr. Lill OrthoCenter München

Your joint specialist Prof. Dr. Lill

YOUR CONTACT FOR JOINT PAIN

Professor Dr med. Lill would be happy to conduct a comprehensive examination of your joint to stop any progressive joint degeneration as quickly as possible. Make an appointment online with us at the OrthoCenter Munich.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Treatment of elbow pain in Munich

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Elbow

Diagnosis of elbowpain in Munich

At the beginning, the focus is on a detailed discussion with the patient about the medical history and causes. This is followed by a detailed clinical examination with a movement check to determine the exact extent of the functional impairment. In many cases we use what are known as imaging procedures; these are helpful to consolidate the diagnosis. Ultrasound (sonography), x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRT) or computed tomography (CT) are available. We then create a therapy concept that is individually tailored to the patient and initially focuses on the broad spectrum of conservative treatment options. This will usually treat you effectively and safely for most elbow complaints.

Your advantages at OrthoCenter Munich

  • Orthopedic treatment focus on spinetherapy
  • Wide range of conservative and operative procedures
  • Gentle procedures in focus: Dr. Riedel specializes in gentle pain therapy. He was head physician in various pain clinics for over 20 years
  • Joints and surgical expert: Prof. Dr. Lill specializes in the treatment of joints. He has years of experience in the field of minimally invasiveand arthroscopic ops.
  • Cooperation with clinics and research institutes worldwide
  • Renowned private practice: the OrthoCenter is internationally known and repeatedly welcomes patients from abroad who come to Munich for treatment

OUR ORTHOPEDIC SERVICES FOR PAIN IN THE ELBOW

Elbow bursitis

Causes & Diagnosis:

Elbow bursitis, also called olecranon bursitis, is usually caused by a sport related injury or by something as simple as constantly using your elbow and arm to support your head. It is also something that can happen to anyone. Whether caused by injury, overuse or bacteria, bursitis always involves inflammation. Increases in synovial fluid and blood flow to the affected area cause swelling and a flushing of the skin. Bacterial bursitis can also lead to the production of pus. Targeted and early treatment is essential.

Since bursitis is usually accompanied by swelling, a specialist can diagnose this ailment by palpating the affected area. In addition, ultrasound technology can be used to determine the type and severity of the bursitis. Pain is not necessarily a symptom of elbow bursitis! Chronic forms of bursitis can go unnoticed for long periods of time. A detailed medical history will be acquired and further examinations will be conducted for each case. This will aid in choosing the most appropriate treatment. One of the aims of therapy will be to ensure that the cause of the bursitis is eliminated. Surgery may be required for chronically recurring bacterial bursitis.

Treatment:

Depending on the cause of the bursitis, several different treatment options may be suggested. Conservative treatment consists of the following measures: immobilisation by cast or splint, physical therapy including mud packs, ultrasound and electro-therapy, treatment by injection (either puncturing the affected area or corticosteroid injection), extracorporeal shock wave treatment of the inflamed area or/and cold therapy to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain. Prof. Lill makes a detailed examination and diagnosis for each patient.

Tennis elbow

Causes & Symptoms:

If the area around the elbow is in pain and this pain increases when the muscles of the upper arm are used, tennis elbow is a leading candidate for the reason behind the pain. As the name suggests, this condition often affects tennis players. Those who are at highest risk of developing tennis elbow are those who subject their arms to repetitive monotonous movements – either during a sport or at work. Working on your computer for long periods of time can also lead to tennis elbow.

Affected patients usually have trouble performing difficult tasks while using their hand. Intense handshakes and holding items for long periods of time is no longer possible. Manual labour can also lead to severe pain caused by tennis elbow. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should undergo an examination by a specialist as soon as possible.

Treatment:

Rapid treatment of tennis elbow includes the following methods: immobilisation to allow healing of the micro-cracks, cryotherapy (treatment using cold to reduce inflammation) or/and extracorporeal shock wave therapy for reducing pain. Part of treating tennis elbow involves eliminating the cause of the condition to ensure it will not return. Tennis players should improve or change their technique. To address work related epicondylitis, positioning and posture at your desk should be optimised. If conservative treatment does not produce positive results, arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery may be necessary. Here the tendons are treated via an incision. The mobilisation of pain-conducting nerves can also relieve discomfort.

Prof. Dr. Lill OrthoCenter München

Your shoulder specialist Prof. Dr. Lill

YOUR CONTACT FOR ELBOW PAIN

Make your appointment now with Professor Lill in Munich. He will complete the necessary examination and diagnosis of your elbow and recommend the most appropriate course of treatment for your case.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

UNSERE MITGLIEDSCHAFTEN

Unsere Fachärzte für Orthopädie sind Mitglieder in den folgenden Gesellschaften und Organisationen. Ziel dieser Gesellschaften ist eine optimale Vernetzung der Fachärzte und der Wissenstransfer – so halten wir unser Know-How stets auf dem neuesten Stand.

Gesellschaften & Organisationen

UNSERE MITGLIED-
SCHAFTEN

Unsere Fachärzte für Orthopädie sind Mitglieder in den folgenden Gesellschaften und Organisationen. Ziel dieser Gesellschaften ist eine optimale Vernetzung der Fachärzte und der Wissenstransfer – so halten wir unser Know-How stets auf dem neuesten Stand.

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