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
If 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.
In most cases, persistent overuse or improper strain in sports (tennis, golf) or at work (heavy lifting and carrying, computer work) leads to painful inflammation of tendons or bursae at the elbow, particularly at the tendon insertions on the inner side (golfer’s elbow, medial/ulnar epicondylitis) and the outer side (tennis elbow, lateral/radial epicondylitis), which are quickly overloaded and cause painful functional limitations of the arm, often due to microtears at the tendon insertions on the bony prominence of the elbow (epicondyle).
Likewise, the bursa on the back of the elbow reacts strongly to repeated external irritation, resulting in swelling and pain, and sometimes redness in cases of bacterial bursitis (olecranon bursitis).
Your advantages at OrthoCenter Munich
International Excellence in Orthopaedics: Treatment of patients from around the world with multilingual care and the highest international standards.
Scientifically Leading Expertise: Over one hundred scientific publications and international research ensure evidence-based medicine at the highest level.
Modern Conservative and Minimally Invasive Therapies: Regenerative medicine such as PRP, hyaluronic acid or stem cell therapy combined with precise arthroscopic surgery.
Specialisation in Shoulder, Knee, Elbow and Ankle: Individual diagnostics and treatment for all relevant joint conditions and injuries.
High-Level Sports Orthopaedics: Modern treatment concepts and structured return-to-sport strategies for recreational and professional athletes.
Premium Private Practice with Personal Care: Short pathways, direct communication with your physician and individual, high-quality support throughout the entire course of treatment.
Diagnostics
Diagnostics for elbow pain in Munich
The process begins with a detailed discussion with the patient focusing on medical history and potential causes, followed by a thorough clinical examination with movement testing to reveal the exact extent of functional limitation.
In many cases, imaging can help confirm the diagnosis, including ultrasound, X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
If chronic inflammatory or bacterial involvement is suspected, specialized blood tests are used to rule out rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or infection.
Therapy
Conservative treatment of elbow pain
The goal of treatment is to quickly relieve pain in the elbow joint and prevent secondary complications.
The foundation of conservative treatment is initially specialized minimally invasive pain therapy, and short-term immobilization may also be necessary and beneficial in cases of acute inflammation.
Depending on the underlying condition, anti-inflammatory medications or injections with hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be used, and heat or cold therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and physiotherapy can also quickly lead to significant symptom relief.
Surgical treatment of elbow pain
If symptoms cannot be satisfactorily relieved with the conservative measures mentioned, minimally invasive surgical options should be considered.
If there is a bacterial infection involving the bursa (bursitis), it must be surgically removed (bursectomy) and accompanied by antibiotic therapy.
Elbow pain brings many people to the doctor, as not only sports but also certain occupations place high strain on the elbow and can significantly limit everyday function of the arm, so if you have elbow symptoms you should always consult an experienced orthopedic specialist, and based on a thorough clinical examination and additional imaging diagnostics we will create an individually tailored treatment plan to achieve rapid pain relief.
Board-certified specialist in orthopedics and trauma surgery with international training at TUM, LMU, and the University of Connecticut.
Over 100 scientific publications and award-winning research.
Modern conservative therapies such as PRP, hyaluronic acid, and stem cell procedures.
Precise minimally invasive surgery and individualized, evidence-based treatment planning
Special expertise in ligament injuries, instability, and overuse syndromes such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
Diagnosis and treatment of tendon ruptures, fractures, and loose bodies
Individualized treatment for sports-related elbow injuries, including high-performance concepts
OUR MEMBERSHIPS
Our orthopaedic specialists are members of the following societies and organisations. The aim of these societies is an optimal networking and knowledge transfer- so we always stay up to date.
Societies & Organizations
OUR MEMBERSHIPS
Our orthopaedic specialists are members of the following societies and organisations. The aim of these societies is an optimal networking and knowledge transfer- so we always stay up to date.
Posted on Google
Lisa Sulzgruber
4 November 2026
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Best orthopedist ever, super caring and they take their time, especially the assistants are super friendly and lovely, thank you!
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I feel very well cared for, both medically and personally, by Dr. Daniel P. Berthold, and receive excellent advice from him. The practice's assistants round off the positive impression with their friendly manner and competent support.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great practice, great doctor. I'm seeing Dr. Berthold for a knee injury. He's competent, empathetic, and leaves no questions unanswered. He patiently explains everything and the treatment plan, and he involves me, the patient, in the treatment. The receptionists are also very friendly and helpful, and the practice is modern and welcoming. Highly recommended!
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can highly recommend the OrthoCenter! The entire team is exceptionally friendly, professional, and extremely well-organized. From the moment you enter the practice, you feel welcome and in good hands. I would especially like to commend Dr. Berthold. He takes his time, explains all treatment steps clearly, and addresses questions and concerns with great sensitivity. His expertise and calm, friendly manner immediately instilled confidence in me. The modern practice, short waiting times, and outstanding care further reinforced my positive impression. Many thanks to the entire team for the excellent treatment!
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Highly competent consultation! The focus on non-surgical solutions (when not necessary) is particularly noteworthy. Furthermore, the extremely modern and precise analyses lead to very accurate and detailed diagnoses.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can wholeheartedly recommend the OrthoCenter on Maximilianstrasse. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted by an exceptionally friendly and attentive team. The excellently structured process is particularly impressive: waiting times are minimal, the entire organization runs absolutely smoothly and professionally – you can tell that the processes are perfectly coordinated. The professional expertise of the entire team is absolutely top-notch. They take their time, listen carefully, and the advice is extremely thorough, transparent, and goal-oriented. I felt I was in the best possible hands, both medically and personally, at all times. Many thanks to the entire team for this first-class care! A true asset to Munich.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can highly recommend the OrthoCenter in Munich. The receptionists are reliably reachable by phone, and when I visit the practice in person, they are always friendly and very helpful. Even spontaneous MRIs can be arranged for the same day in no time. Dr. Berthold himself is a level-headed and competent doctor who doesn't push me toward a particular treatment approach but instead presents me with all possible treatment options. At my first appointment, he immediately understood my circumstances and treated my condition accordingly. Since then, I have been pain-free and overjoyed to be able to live my daily life as I wish again. Recently, I had to return to the OrthoCenter for treatment due to an injury, and once again, Dr. Berthold found the right solution for me. I am impressed with the entire team and gladly make the long journey. Thank you.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The orthopedist you dream of. State-of-the-art and impressive equipment, competent, and, most importantly, genuinely interested! I had the impression that Dr. Berthold truly wanted to find and treat the cause of my problems. He's also very personable and pleasantly relaxed. Highly recommended.
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