Elbow Specialist in Singapore

Dr Seng Chusheng

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

Doctor reviewing an elbow X-ray with a patient to diagnose elbow pain and discuss treatment options.

Dr Seng Chusheng is a fellowship-trained senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with experience performing more than 1,000 procedures. He has a special interest in elbow conditions, sports injuries and reconstructive procedures, with experience in managing conditions ranging from tendon and ligament injuries to nerve compression disorders, elbow instability and degenerative joint conditions.

Elbow Specialist for Sports Injuries, Tendon Disorders and Complex Conditions
Elbow Reconstruction & Joint Preservation Procedures
Arthroscopic Elbow Surgery & Advanced Elbow Replacement

Meet Our Elbow Specialist in Singapore

Dr Seng Chusheng

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Sports & Exercise Medicine)

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

Dr Seng Chusheng manages a wide range of elbow conditions affecting the tendons, ligaments, nerves and joints of the upper limb. His clinical practice includes the treatment of common overuse injuries such as tennis elbow and golfer's elbow, as well as more complex conditions including cubital tunnel syndrome, elbow instability, fractures and dislocations.

Because elbow problems can develop from many different causes, Dr Seng develops individualised treatment plans that focus on relieving pain, restoring strength and helping patients return safely to their daily lives.

With experience performing more than 1,000 orthopaedic procedures, Dr Seng combines extensive surgical expertise with a patient-centred approach to care. Depending on the condition, treatment may range from conservative management and rehabilitation to advanced procedures such as elbow arthroscopy, tendon repair, ligament reconstruction and elbow replacement surgery.

The Impact of Elbow Conditions on Everyday Life

Many elbow conditions develop gradually through repetitive use of the arm. What begins as mild discomfort when lifting objects, gripping tools, carrying groceries or playing sports may eventually progress into persistent pain that affects work, exercise and everyday activities.

The elbow is responsible for positioning the hand and allowing the arm to bend, straighten, lift and rotate. Because it is involved in countless movements throughout the day, the joint is particularly vulnerable to overuse injuries, tendon disorders, nerve compression and traumatic injuries. When these structures become damaged or inflamed, pain, weakness and reduced arm function can significantly affect quality of life.

What Are the Common Causes of Elbow Conditions and Injuries?

Elbow conditions can develop as a result of repetitive strain, sports injuries, trauma, underlying medical conditions or age-related degeneration. Common causes include:

Repetitive Movements
Frequent gripping, lifting, twisting or repetitive arm motions can place excessive stress on the tendons and soft tissues surrounding the elbow.
Sports Activities
Racquet sports, golf, throwing sports and strength training can contribute to overuse injuries affecting the elbow.
Falls and Trauma
Direct impact to the elbow may result in fractures, dislocations and damage to surrounding structures.
Nerve Compression
Irritation or compression of nerves around the elbow can cause pain, numbness and weakness affecting the forearm and hand.
Joint Degeneration
Age-related wear and tear may lead to stiffness, pain and reduced elbow function over time.
Inflammatory Conditions
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis can cause chronic inflammation within or around the joint.

Person wearing a compression bandage on the elbow to support recovery from an elbow injury.

What Are the Risk Factors of Elbow Injuries?

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing elbow problems, including:

Participation in racquet sports, golf or throwing activities
Occupations involving repetitive arm movements
Frequent lifting or manual work
Previous elbow injuries
Poor sporting technique
Increasing age
Arthritis and inflammatory conditions

Common Signs and Symptoms of Elbow Problems

Elbow conditions can affect far more than the joint itself. Many people first notice difficulties with gripping, lifting, carrying objects or performing repetitive arm movements before realising an underlying elbow problem is developing. Common symptoms include:

Elbow Pain During Activity

Pain that occurs when lifting, pulling, gripping, carrying objects or using the arm repeatedly may indicate tendon, ligament or joint problems.

Weakness in the Arm

Difficulty opening jars, carrying bags, shaking hands or holding objects securely may indicate an underlying elbow or nerve condition.

Stiffness and Reduced Range of Motion

The elbow may become difficult to fully straighten or bend, affecting everyday activities and arm function.

Numbness or Tingling

Pins and needles, numbness or altered sensation affecting the forearm, hand or fingers may occur when nerves around the elbow become irritated or compressed.

Swelling Around the Elbow

Visible swelling or a lump around the elbow joint may develop following injury, inflammation or bursitis.

Pain Following Injury

Symptoms that develop after a fall, direct impact or sporting injury should be assessed to exclude fractures, dislocations or soft tissue damage.

When Should You See an Elbow Specialist?

While minor elbow discomfort may improve with rest and activity modification, some symptoms may indicate an underlying condition that requires further assessment.

Tennis player holding a tennis racket and ball while pressing a painful elbow.

You should consider consulting an elbow specialist if:

Symptoms have not improved after several weeks
Elbow pain repeatedly returns
You are unable to regain normal elbow movement
Your grip strength or arm function is constantly diminished
Symptoms developed following a fall, sporting injury or other trauma
Numbness or tingling occurs consistently
Previous treatments have not provided lasting relief
You are concerned that your condition is becoming more severe

If elbow pain, weakness or reduced arm function is affecting your daily activities,

an early assessment can help identify the cause and prevent symptoms from worsening.

Elbow Conditions We Specialise in Treating

Our clinic manages a range of elbow conditions and injuries that can affect strength, movement and everyday arm function. These include:

Elbow Fractures

An elbow fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that form the elbow joint. These injuries commonly occur following falls, sports injuries or direct trauma and may cause severe pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty moving the arm.

Elbow Sprains

An elbow sprain occurs when the ligaments supporting the joint are stretched or torn. This may happen following a fall, sudden twisting injury or sporting accident and can result in pain, swelling, instability and difficulty using the arm.

Elbow Dislocations

An elbow dislocation occurs when the bones of the joint are forced out of their normal position, usually following a fall onto an outstretched hand or a significant impact. Patients often experience immediate pain, deformity, swelling and an inability to move the elbow normally.

Elbow Bursitis

Elbow bursitis is inflammation of the olecranon bursa, a fluid-filled sac located at the tip of the elbow. The condition can cause noticeable swelling, tenderness and discomfort, particularly when leaning on the elbow or bending the joint.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome develops when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated as it passes through the inner side of the elbow. Symptoms commonly include numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, weakness in the hand and discomfort around the elbow.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is one of the most common elbow conditions. It occurs when repetitive gripping, lifting or wrist movements place excessive strain on the tendons attached to the outer part of the elbow, leading to pain and reduced grip strength.

Golfer's Elbow

Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons attached to the inner side of the elbow. It is often caused by repetitive wrist flexion, gripping or throwing activities and may lead to pain during lifting, carrying objects or other everyday arm movements.

Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture

A distal biceps tendon rupture occurs when the tendon attaching the biceps muscle to the forearm bone tears, often during heavy lifting or a sudden forceful movement. Symptoms may include a sudden sharp pain, bruising, weakness when bending the elbow or rotating the forearm, and a visible change in the contour of the upper arm.

Elbow Arthritis

Elbow arthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joint gradually wears down or becomes damaged. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion and difficulty performing everyday activities that involve bending or lifting with the arm.

Whether your symptoms are caused by a recent injury, repetitive strain or an underlying elbow condition, specialist assessment can help determine the most appropriate treatment options.

Speak to a Specialist

Elbow Treatments We Offer

Our specialist provides a range of treatment options tailored to the specific diagnosis, severity of symptoms and functional requirements of each patient. Depending on the nature of the condition, management may involve conservative non-surgical care or advanced surgical procedures such as:

Total Elbow Replacement
Elbow Arthroscopy
Biceps Tendon Repair
Tennis Elbow Surgery
Elbow Ligament Reconstruction
Complex Elbow Fractures and Dislocations

What Happens During an Elbow Specialist Consultation?

An elbow specialist consultation typically begins with a discussion of your symptoms, medical history and any previous injuries or treatments. At our clinic, Dr Seng typically conducts a physical examination to assess elbow movement, joint stability, grip strength, areas of tenderness and any signs of nerve involvement.

Depending on the findings, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans may be recommended to evaluate the bones, tendons, ligaments and other structures around the elbow. Once a diagnosis has been established, suitable treatment options will be discussed based on the nature of the condition, severity of symptoms and functional requirements of the patient.

Why Choose Our Elbow Clinic?

At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, care is focused on identifying the source of symptoms and developing a treatment plan that supports both pain relief and long-term arm function. Our dedicated approach includes:

Experience Managing Repetitive Strain Injuries

We provide targeted treatment for overuse injuries affecting the tendons, muscles and supporting structures around the elbow.

Expertise in Tendon and Ligament Disorders

From tennis elbow and golfer's elbow to ligament injuries and tendon tears, treatment is tailored to the specific structures involved and the severity of the condition.

Treatment for Both Sports and Everyday Injuries

Whether symptoms developed during sports, exercise, work activities or a traumatic injury, management plans are designed around the patient's functional requirements and recovery goals.

Support Throughout Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery often extends beyond the initial treatment. We provide ongoing guidance throughout rehabilitation to help patients regain strength, function and confidence in using their injured arm.

Dr Seng Chusheng explaining a knee condition and treatment options to a patient during an orthopaedic consultation in Singapore.

Early Management of Elbow Conditions with Dr Seng Chusheng

Elbow conditions can make everyday tasks surprisingly difficult. Activities such as lifting objects, carrying bags or participating in sports may soon become too painful to manage. Ongoing pain, weakness or nerve-related symptoms may gradually affect arm function and make everyday activities more difficult.

At Axis Orthopaedic Centre, Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Seng Chusheng provides comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment plans for a wide range of elbow conditions. Whether symptoms arise from repetitive strain, sports injuries, tendon disorders, nerve compression or traumatic injuries, treatment is tailored to relieve pain, restore strength and support a safe return to normal activities.

FAQs About Elbow Pain & Conditions

Can elbow conditions heal without surgery?

Yes. Many elbow conditions can be managed successfully with non-surgical treatments such as activity modification, physiotherapy, medication, braces or injections. Surgery is usually considered when symptoms remain significant despite conservative treatment or when there is structural damage that is unlikely to heal adequately on its own.

Why does my elbow hurt when lifting or gripping objects?

Pain during lifting, gripping, carrying or twisting movements is commonly associated with tendon injuries such as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow. These conditions develop when repetitive strain causes irritation and degeneration of the tendons around the elbow.

What causes numbness or tingling around the elbow and hand?

Numbness and tingling may occur when nerves around the elbow become compressed or irritated. One common example is cubital tunnel syndrome, which affects the ulnar nerve and may cause symptoms extending into the ring and little fingers.

How long does it take to recover from an elbow injury?

Recovery time depends on the type and severity of the injury. Mild tendon or ligament injuries may improve within several weeks, while fractures, nerve conditions and surgical procedures may require several months of treatment and rehabilitation. A specialist assessment can provide a more accurate recovery timeline based on your specific diagnosis.

Our Orthopaedic Clinic Locations

With three conveniently located clinics across Singapore, Dr Seng provides accessible and comprehensive orthopaedic care closer to where you live and work. Each location is equipped to deliver accurate diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Mount Elizabeth Novena Medical Centre

38 Irrawaddy Road,
#06-33
Singapore 329563

Parkway East Medical Centre

319 Joo Chiat Place,
#04-08
Singapore 427989

Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A

820 Thomson Road,
#03-08
Singapore 574623

Teleconsult Available

For foreign patients, a tele-consult on Zoom or WhatsApp can be done if pre-arranged in advance. Please email or WhatsApp first to enquire.

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri

8:30am - 5:30pm

Sat