Is surgery right for elbow pain?
Elbow pain can be frustrating, especially when gripping, lifting, or simple daily tasks feel harder than they used to. Surgery is rarely the first step. Most people start with conservative care like activity changes, strengthening, and nerve-friendly positioning because many elbow problems improve without an operation1 2.
Still, there are times when surgery may be considered. These include pain that does not improve with months of guided rehabilitation, ongoing weakness from nerve pressure, or structural problems like unstable cartilage in younger athletes1 3. Some people also explore surgery if pain continues to limit work or sports despite consistent exercise-based care.
Surgery is not automatic or inevitable. Your doctor will look at your symptoms, how long they have lasted, how they affect your daily life, and what has already been tried. A shared decision is key. You and your care team can decide together whether surgery is the right choice for your situation.
Common surgical options for elbow pain
Different elbow conditions may lead a surgeon to discuss one or more of these procedures:
- Tendon Surgery for Lateral or Medial Elbow Pain: Used when pain from irritated tendons on the inside or outside of the elbow persists for many months. The goal is to remove damaged tissue and encourage healthier tendon healing4
- Nerve Decompression (Ulnar or Radial Nerve): Used when a nerve is compressed or stretched, often causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand. Surgery creates more space around the nerve or moves it to a safer location to reduce irritation5.
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Repair or Reconstruction: More common in throwing athletes with ligament injury. The goal is to restore elbow stability so the arm can tolerate higher throwing forces6.
- Surgery for Cartilage or Bone Injuries: Used to remove loose cartilage or bone unstable fragments causing catching loose fragments or unstable cartilage cause catching, locking, or ongoing pain7.These procedures are discussed only when symptoms significantly interfere with daily life and rehabilitation has not achieved the results you need.
What to expect during recovery
Recovery depends on the specific procedure, your overall health, and the condition of the tissues before surgery. Most people go through phases of healing that include rest, gradual movement, and progressive strengthening.
Right after surgery, it is normal to notice swelling, stiffness, and short-term pain. Many people wear a brace or splint for a brief period to protect the area. As healing continues, your care team guides you through gentle motion and then strengthening so you can return to gripping, lifting, and daily tasks.
Common challenges include stiffness, temporary loss of strength, and slower-than-expected progress as tissues heal. Risks depend on the procedure and can include infection, bleeding, lingering symptoms, nerve irritation, or the possibility that pain may not fully resolve1 4 5. Some surgeries, such as ligament reconstruction, involve long recovery times of 12 to 18 months6.
Recovery is not the same for everyone. Your surgeon and rehabilitation team will help set expectations based on your body and your goals.
Did you know?
- Many people with tendon-related elbow pain recover without surgery, even if symptoms have lasted for several months2.
- Injections like corticosteroids may help for a few weeks but can lead to worse results later compared to exercise-based care8.
- Digital rehabilitation programs, like those used at Sword, help people stay consistent with exercise, which is one of the most important factors in recovery success4.
Can surgery be avoided?
For most people, the answer is yes. Many elbow problems improve with a combination of education, activity changes, and strengthening tailored to your symptoms1 2. Exercise-based care helps tendons heal, improves grip strength, and reduces nerve irritation for many common elbow conditions.
Starting with conservative care is not only safer but often more effective in the long run. Steroid injections may give short-term relief, but they are linked to higher recurrence rates compared to exercise-based treatment8.
Digital physical therapy can also play a meaningful role. Sword programs have been shown to improve pain and function with high engagement and low dropout rates in people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. In randomized trials, digital care performed as well as in-person rehabilitation for elbow-related and upper-limb conditions, while improving participation and reducing the need for escalated care4.
If you have not yet tried a structured strengthening program, it is usually the best place to start. Learn more at Physical Therapy for Elbow Pain.
How Sword can support you before and after surgery
Physical therapy can play an important role in preparing for surgery, supporting recovery, and, in some cases, helping people manage symptoms without surgery. Sword offers physical therapy programs designed to support you at different points along that journey.
Sword supports recovery before and after surgery, with care designed to fit into your life. You receive high-quality physical therapy at home, guided by licensed clinicians and supported by smart technology.
- Care that adapts as your body and recovery needs change
- Licensed physical therapists guiding your care at every stage
- Non-invasive, evidence-based physical therapy programs
Support for preparation, recovery, and long-term movement health
Clinical insight
