Expert Upper Extremity Orthopaedics | Pittsburgh, PA
Tennis Elbow & Carpal Tunnel Specialist - Brackenridge, PA
From swimmers to tennis players to baseball pitchers, many different types of athletes rely heavily on their elbows to play their sport to the best of their ability. Any time your elbows and upper extremities are compromised, you could be facing an extremely detrimental impact on your athletic ability, and even on your everyday life.
When you consider the complex nature of your elbow’s anatomy, you’ll want to trust in a highly experienced upper extremity specialist to address your injury and perform the procedure that will result in the best outcomes for your individual case. You’ll also want to receive an accurate diagnosis and expert care as soon as you possibly can: if elbow injuries and conditions are allowed to progress, they can result in serious long-term damage.
No one should have to be sidelined from life or from sports by an elbow injury. That’s why Dr. Michael Rytel is proud to offer his services as the best elbow surgeon in Pittsburgh. If you need a tennis elbow specialist in Pittsburgh, PA who will diagnose your condition with accuracy and provide one-on-one, compassionate care from that point onward, don’t wait for your pain to worsen to make the call. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Rytel today.
Tennis Elbow & Upper Extremity Doctor
Most of the time, when athletes -- especially young people -- injure their elbows, the cause can be traced back to overuse or placing great stress on the elbow for a prolonged period of time. These injuries are most common in people who play throwing sports, such as baseball, softball, or tennis, so it’s important to practice preventative measures and give your elbow a break whenever you can.
These injuries are especially common in baseball players who throw at high velocities, and players who pitch frequently, both in terms of individual pitches and in terms of the length of time spent pitching. This makes professional and college athletes who undergo long seasons and intense training at an extremely high risk for sustaining an elbow injury. Your height and weight can also have an impact on your risk of elbow injury: those who are taller and heavier are more likely to injure an elbow after repeated, long-term pitching.
Most importantly, continuing to throw or otherwise extend your elbow when you’re already in pain can severely increase your likelihood of sustaining an elbow injury that may require surgery or therapy. If you’re beginning to feel sore or find that your range of motion is compromised, it’s vital to resist the temptation to shrug it off and stay in the game. Stop and rest right away, and if the pain or discomfort continues, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rytel as soon as you can.
Top Upper Extremity Orthopaedic Surgeon in Pittsburgh, PA
Dr. Rytel is experienced and specialized in treating a wide variety of conditions that affect the elbows and upper extremities. Some of the most common conditions he sees in his patients include the following, and more:
- Elbow fractures
- Arthritis of the elbow
- Flexor tendinitis
- Elbow dislocations
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) injuries
Regardless of what’s causing pain, discomfort or a loss of motion in your elbow, Dr. Rytel has the expertise to help you achieve an accurate diagnosis and begin your treatment as soon as possible. With his compassionate, one-on-one approach, Dr. Rytel will work alongside you at every step, developing a treatment plan that meets your individual goals.
If you believe you may be suffering from any of these conditions, there are solutions out there that can result in restoring your full range of motion and bringing you back out on the field. If you’re ready to get back in the game and start living without a painful, potentially debilitating elbow condition, don’t wait. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Rytel today.
Meet Dr. Rytel!
Michael Rytel, MD
YOUR COMFORT & CONVENIENCE IS OUR PRIORITY
Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery Near Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I’ve injured my elbow?
You know your body best, but especially if you’re an athlete, it can be tempting to ignore the warning signs of an elbow injury and keep on playing. If you’re experiencing pain every time you throw, or if the pain isn’t going away with your usual home remedies and a regular period of rest, it’s unfortunately time to see the orthopedic specialists for a proper diagnosis.
Which types of elbow surgery can you perform?
The most common procedure Dr. Rytel performs at his practice is a surgery for lateral epicondylitis, otherwise known as tennis elbow. Tennis elbow can happen as a result of overexerting or putting too much stress on your elbow, especially during athletic activity.
Some of the other procedures Dr. Rytel can perform include:
- Tommy John surgery
- Cubital tunnel release
- Surgery for golfer's elbow
- Tendon repair, for tendonitis
- Arthroscopic elbow surgery
- Repair of elbow fractures
- Bursectomy, for bursitis
- Lateral collateral ligament repair
- Medid collateral ligament repair
Will I need physical therapy following elbow surgery?
The answer is yes, without exception! Physical therapy is essential to making a full, effective, and quick recovery after any orthopedic surgery, including surgery of the elbow and upper extremities. This is especially true if your ultimate goal is to return to playing a sport after a sports-related injury.
How can I recover quickly from elbow surgery?
The best way to ensure that you make a full, speedy recovery is to follow all instructions given to you by Dr. Rytel after your surgery, including fully completing all of your prescribed physical therapy sessions. It’s also helpful to perform exercises at home as instructed by Dr. Rytel, especially if your goal is to return to playing a particular sport. Lateral epicondylitis tennis elbow rehabilitation, otherwise known as tennis elbow stretches, are particularly helpful for those recovering from surgery for tennis elbow. Dr. Rytel can help guide you in performing these exercises and more.