Surgical Care for Elbow Pain That Restores Strength and Motion
The elbow plays a critical role in lifting, reaching, and supporting daily movements. When pain, stiffness, or instability affects this joint, even simple tasks can feel impossible. If your symptoms stem from an injury, arthritis, or repetitive strain, our surgical team is here to help restore your function and relieve discomfort.
At Michigan Orthopedic Center in Lansing, MI, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons deliver advanced elbow procedures backed by accurate diagnosis and expert care. Our goal is to help you regain control of your movement and return to the activities you value most.
Why Early Elbow Evaluation Is Important
Waiting too long to treat elbow pain can allow joint damage to worsen. In many cases, structural issues like ligament tears, tendon injuries, or nerve compression require more than rest or medication to resolve.
When elbow conditions are left untreated, patients often develop:
- Increased stiffness and reduced mobility
- Loss of grip strength or function
- Nerve irritation that leads to numbness or tingling
- Worsening joint degeneration that limits long-term outcomes
Prompt diagnosis allows our surgeons to determine the right treatment plan before symptoms lead to more complex problems or extended recovery times.
Common Elbow Injuries and Conditions We Treat
Our surgical team specializes in repairing and restoring damaged structures in the elbow, including:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) – pain along the outer elbow due to overuse or tendon damage
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) – pain along the inner elbow caused by repeated stress
- Ligament injuries or tears – often seen in athletes or those who experience trauma or overextension
- Elbow arthritis – cartilage breakdown that causes joint pain, stiffness, and grinding
- Fractures and dislocations – from falls, direct trauma, or high-impact injuries
- Cubital tunnel syndrome – nerve compression that creates tingling or weakness in the arm and fingers
- Bursitis – inflammation in the elbow’s protective fluid sac
Symptoms That May Indicate a Need for Surgery
If you are experiencing elbow pain that does not improve or limits your activity, you may be dealing with a structural issue that will not heal on its own. Our team evaluates for signs such as:
- Pain with use or specific movements
- Reduced grip strength
- Tingling or numbness in the hand or forearm
- Visible swelling or deformity
- Limited ability to fully bend or straighten the arm
- Clicking, locking, or catching in the joint
How Michigan Orthopedic Center Treats Elbow Conditions
Our care model begins with a clear diagnosis from one of our experienced orthopedic surgeons. When imaging or physical testing shows that surgery is the most effective option, we offer a targeted treatment plan built around your condition, activity level, and goals.
Surgical options include:
- Tendon repair or reconstruction for persistent tendon damage
- Ligament reconstruction or stabilization for instability or overuse injuries
- Nerve decompression surgery for cubital tunnel syndrome
- Elbow arthroscopy or debridement for arthritis, impingement, or joint cleanup
- Fracture repair and stabilization for traumatic injuries
- Arthroscopic elbow debridement to remove loose fragments, damaged tissue, or inflamed lining from inside the joint.
While some mild conditions may benefit from short-term therapies like bracing, our focus is on delivering the surgical solutions that produce lasting results.
After surgery, our care team supports your recovery with guided rehabilitation and step-by-step milestones to help you safely regain strength and motion.
What Sets Michigan Orthopedic Center Apart
At Michigan Orthopedic Center, you are cared for by an orthopedic surgery team that puts results first. We specialize in elbow conditions that require expert surgical treatment.
You benefit from:
- Fellowship-trained surgeons with deep experience in elbow procedures
- Accurate diagnosis and advanced imaging for precision treatment
- Minimally invasive techniques that shorten recovery and improve outcomes
- Supportive recovery care including clear timelines, mobility goals, and post-op progress tracking
From ligament injuries to complex elbow fractures, our team delivers the surgical expertise and one-on-one support needed to help you return to work, sports, or daily activity with strength and confidence.
Meet Our Elbow Surgeons
At Michigan Orthopedic Center in Lansing, MI, advanced elbow care starts with the expertise of our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons. Each surgeon listed below has specialized training and extensive experience in treating complex elbow injuries and conditions, from tendon and ligament repairs to fracture stabilization and joint replacement.
Click below to learn more about the surgeons who specialize in elbow care at Michigan Orthopedic Center and find the right expert for your needs.
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Meredith C. Heisey, DO
Board Certified & Fellowship Trained Orthopedic SurgeonShoulder, Elbow & Knee Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from tennis elbow?
Will I need surgery for my elbow pain?
Can I return to sports after elbow surgery?
Schedule an Evaluation at Michigan Orthopedic Center
Don’t let elbow pain take control of your day. Schedule an appointment with our orthopedic surgery team to get answers, explore your options, and move forward with expert care.
Your Next Steps…
- Request An Appointment
- Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
- Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
- Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free
