Elbow Pain
Elbow Pain
What you need to know about your Elbow Pain
One of several illnesses could be the cause of your elbow pain. Many elbow issues are caused by overuse and sports injuries. Elbow injuries are common among golfers, baseball pitchers, tennis players, and boxers.
The following are examples of elbow disorders:
- Arm muscles
- Elbow ligaments
- Tendons
- Bones in the arm
- Bursae
Treatment for elbow problems is determined by the underlying cause.
What are the many forms of elbow pain conditions?
Elbow disorders can be classified into at least seven main categories. Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms and causes.
Golfer’s elbow and little leaguer’s elbow are typical names for medial epicondylitis, which affects the inside tendons of the elbow. Baseball’s repetitive throwing motion and a golf club’s downward swing are two common culprits.
A repetitive hand activity, such as striking a hammer every day at work, can also cause medial epicondylitis. This condition might result in pain on the inside of the elbow. Wrist movements, in particular, might cause discomfort.
Rest and common therapeutic options, like freezing the affected area or using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen, usually help.
Tennis elbow is another name for lateral elbow tendinopathy.
The tendons on the outside of the elbow are affected. This ailment can be caused by playing racquet sports or working in certain occupations that need a similar motion.
Those who frequently suffer from lateral epicondylitis include:
- Cooks
- Painters
- Carpenters
- Mechanics
- Plumbers
- Electricians
Along the outside of the elbow, symptoms such as discomfort or burning appear. You can also have difficulty gripping it.
These symptoms are frequently alleviated by:
- Rest
- Physiotherapy
- Wearing a brace or a tennis elbow strap
Olecranon bursitis is also known as:
- Student’s elbow
- Miner’s elbow
- Draftsman’s elbow
Bursitis affects bursae, which are tiny fluid-filled sacs that protect joints. The bursae that protect the pointed bone of the elbow are affected by olecranon bursitis.
It could be brought on by:
- Trauma the elbow
- Supporting your weight on your elbow for prolonged periods of time
- Infection
- Arthritis and other medical conditions
Among the signs and symptoms are:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Having trouble moving the elbow
When you have an infection, you may notice redness and warmth.
This ailment is treated with medication and elbow protectors. In severe and persistent situations, surgery may be required.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disorder that affects the cartilage in the joints, which is a form of connective tissue. This tissue wears down and becomes destroyed as a result of OA. An elbow injury or wear and tear on the joints can induce elbow OA.
Among the signs and symptoms are:
- Pain
- Difficulty bending your elbow
- A feeling of locking in the elbow
- A grating sound made while moving
- Swelling
Medication and physical therapy are frequently used to treat OA. In more severe cases, surgery may be required which could include the option of joint replacement.
Dislocation or fracture of the elbow can occur after a fall on an outstretched arm or elbow. When a bone dislocates, it moves out of its normal position. When a bone cracks or breaks, it is called a fracture.
Among the signs and symptoms are:
- Swelling and discolouration of the elbow are visible changes
- Immobility of the joint
- Pain
A healthcare provider can reposition the displaced bone. They’ll put your dislocated or fractured elbow in a splint or cast and offer you pain and swelling medication. After the splint or cast is removed, physical therapy can assist regain the range of motion.
Any of the ligaments that make up the elbow joint can develop issues. Ligament sprains can occur as a result of trauma or overuse.
It’s possible that the ligament is:
- Stretched
- Partially ripped
- Completely torn
When you get hurt, you could hear a popping sound.
Among the signs and symptoms are:
- Pain
- Instability of joints
- Swelling
- Difficulties with a range of motion
Treatment options could include:
- Rest
- Methods of pain treatment include icing the affected area
- Use of an elbow brace
- Physiotherapy
Small fragments of cartilage and bone get dislodged in the elbow joint, causing osteochondritis dissecans, commonly known as Panner’s disease. It’s most commonly seen in young males and is the outcome of an elbow injury in sports.
This condition is characterised by pain and soreness on the outside of the elbow, difficulty extending the arm, and the sensation that the joint is locking. This injury can be treated by immobilising the elbow joint and receiving physiotherapy.
Elbow Pain Diagnosis
The following tests can help your doctor diagnose elbow problems:
- Medical history and physical examination
- CT scan
- X-rays
- MRI examination
- (EMG) electromyography
- Bursa fluid biopsy
Elbow pain exercises
Exercise may help you recover from elbow discomfort and prevent it from returning, depending on the cause.
Stretches and exercises may include:
- Relieve pain
- extend your range of motion
- Inflammation reduction
- To assist you to avoid future damage, strengthen the muscles around the joint
Elbow Pain Treatments
Treatment depends on the type of elbow issue and the symptoms you’re experiencing. The majority of elbow problems are treated with caution. If your symptoms do not improve, surgery is a last resort.
Among your therapy possibilities are:
- Ice
- Rest
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Physiotherapy
- Immobilisation and use of a Brace
- Injections of Steroid
- Elbow padding
Prevention of elbow pain
Overuse and injury are the most common causes of elbow problems.
You can avoid them if you:
- Rectifying ineffective sporting techniques
- Gripping sports equipment with the correct size grip
- Using racquets with the proper tension
- Appropriately warming up and stretching
- Putting elbow pads on
It’s also crucial to take pauses from monotonous work. Exercises to strengthen the muscles around your elbow joint should be done.
Seek guidance and recommendations from a healthcare provider.
Outlook
If you experience persistent or severe elbow discomfort, consult your doctor to establish the source.
Treatments for elbow problems include:
- Rest
- Stretching
- Ice
- Physiotherapy
Surgery may still be required in extreme circumstances.
Exercising and stretching, especially for tennis elbow, can help with pain relief and healing.
Some elbow diseases can be avoided by strengthening the muscles in your elbow, utilising suitable sports skills, and taking rests when performing repetitive activities.