The elbow joint is one of the most complex and frequently used joints in the body. It is responsible for the movement of the forearm, wrist, and hand. Although in general, the elbow joint is much less prone to wear-and-tear damage than other joints, it is still a common issue that affects people of all ages, from athletes to office workers.
Understanding the different types of elbow pain, their causes, and how to manage them is crucial for maintaining good elbow health. In this post, we will be discussing the common causes of elbow pain and how to prevent and manage elbow pain.
What is elbow pain?
Elbow pain or elbow disorder is a condition that affects the elbow joint and the surrounding structures, including the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. It is characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the elbow joint. Elbow pain is often caused by overuse or repeated pressure on the tendons near the elbow joint. When these tissues are overloaded, it can cause pain around the elbow especially when using our hands and wrist. Many sports, hobbies and work require repetitive hand, wrist or arm movement which may cause the elbow to be overused. Occasionally elbow pain may also be caused by arthritis.
Causes of elbow pain
There are several causes of elbow pain. Each of them has its cause and symptoms. Most cases of elbow pain are due to strained or inflamed soft tissues such as tendons or ligaments.
The most common type of elbow pain include:
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Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow is also known as lateral epicondylitis. It is a condition caused by the overuse or repeated actions of the muscle of the forearm, near the elbow joint. People with tennis elbow may experience pain on the outside of the elbow, especially when they are trying to lift or grip an object.
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Golfer's elbow
Golfer's elbow is also known as medial epicondylitis. It is a form of tendonitis that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons connecting your forearm and elbow. It can be caused by the overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons especially during repeated actions that require the usage of your wrist and arm to bend, grasp or twist objects. Pain can be felt on the inside of the elbow, and they may experience tingling and numbness on the hand and reduced grip strength.
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Elbow arthritis
Elbow arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the elbow becomes worn or damaged due to injury, fracture or overuse due to age. People with elbow arthritis may experience symptoms such as pain, stiffness or a decreased range of motion, swelling, tenderness or redness in the elbow joint.
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Elbow bursitis
Elbow bursitis is a condition caused by the inflammation of the olecranon bursa, which is the fluid-filled sac that surrounds and protects your bones, tendons and muscles in the elbow joint. Elbow bursitis can occur during any sporting event that requires you to do repetitive motions and also for those who spend a lot of time in positions that put pressure on your elbows such as resting their elbow on a hard surface when typing on a computer keyboard. Elbow bursitis is also known as “student's elbow”.
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Elbow dislocation
The elbow is composed of three bones. Elbow dislocation happens when any of these bones become separated or knocked out of place, usually as a result of a traumatic injury. Elbow dislocation can cause severe pain, swelling and instability of the elbow joint and sometimes even restriction of movement. It will also damage the surrounding muscles and nerves. You should seek immediate medical attention if you think you are experiencing elbow dislocation.
How is elbow pain diagnosed and treated?
Elbow pain is diagnosed by a healthcare professional, such as an orthopaedic specialist to examine your elbow and discuss the symptoms and how the injury occurs. They will take a thorough medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. The diagnosis will depend on the underlying cause of the elbow pain, which can be determined by these tests.
The treatment for elbow pain will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. In general, treatment options may include:
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Rest
Resting the elbow and avoiding activities that aggravate the pain can help alleviate the symptoms. It is best to restrict and modify daily activity to allow the ligaments to heal.
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Ice therapy
Applying ice to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.
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Compression
Try using compression pads on the affected area to help support the elbow and decrease swelling.
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Elevate
Raise the arm and elevate on a cushion, high table or other type of platform which will provide pain relieve and reduce swelling.
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Medications
When needed, anti-inflammatory medications can be used to manage pain and inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids which contain anti-inflammatory properties may also be a good alternative for elbow pain.
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Physical therapy
Physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility in the elbow joint.
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Surgery
In some cases, where the ligaments have been severely torn, surgery may be needed to repair or replace damaged structures in the elbow joint.
How to prevent elbow pain?
Although elbow injuries are common, there are several things that we can do to prevent it and reduce our chances of getting an elbow injury:
- Always warm up before exercise and cool down thoroughly to prepare the muscle and joints for activity.
- As one of the most common causes of elbow pain is overuse of the joint, we should try to avoid repetitive activities that will strain the elbow joint. Take regular breaks during repetitive activities to rest the elbow joint and prevent overuse.
- Using proper technique during exercises or activities can avoid unnecessary stress on the elbow joint.
- Wear elbow pads or other protective gear when engaging in activities that might cause injuries to your elbow joint.
- Excess weight can put extra strain on the elbow joint, so maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent joint problems.
- Do strengthening exercises with hand weights, to help strengthen the muscles around the elbow joint to help prevent injury and reduce the risk of developing elbow pain.
- Maintaining good posture can prevent the elbow from unnecessary pressure that will cause joint problems.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of the most commonly used supplements to support joint health and reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fatty fish may help reduce inflammation and support joint health.
After any elbow problem, it is important to get movement and strength back. This supports tissue healing and will help you get moving again. Although you may not be able to return to your usual exercise levels and routine immediately, a slow start with appropriate exercises is the best way to help you gradually return to your normal life to get good short and long term results after an elbow problem.
Most cases of elbow pain will get better on their own or with simple self-help treatments. However if you experience persistent or severe elbow pain, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
In conclusion, elbow pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition. Understanding the different types of elbow pain, their causes, and how to manage them is crucial for maintaining good elbow health.
Reference
- Department of Health & Human Services. (2003, April 14). Elbow pain. Better Health Channel. Retrieved April 22, 2023, from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/elbow-pain#treatment-for-elbow-pain
- How to Treat Elbow Arthritis. Pennmedicine.org. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2023, from https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/orthopaedics/elbow-pain/elbow-arthritis
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2019, May 1). Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) - mayo clinic orthopedics & sports medicine. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved April 23, 2023, from https://sportsmedicine.mayoclinic.org/condition/golfers-elbow-medial-epicondylitis/
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