Elbow pain can be a real game-changer when it comes to your daily routine. It’s one of those nagging aches that never quite goes away and can make even simple tasks feel unbearable. Elbow pain refers to discomfort or inflammation in the elbow joint, impacting daily activities such as lifting objects or typing. Understanding the causes and symptoms of each type can help you pinpoint exactly what’s causing your elbow pain and, more importantly, how to treat it.
What Causes Elbow Pain?
Many different things can cause elbow pain, from arthritis to overuse to injury such as a fracture. Both the type and severity of the pain you feel depend on what’s happened to your elbow. Identifying the root cause of elbow pain is critical for effective treatment and pain relief. Here are some potential causes:
- Overuse and Repetitive Strain: Repetitive movements from everyday work, household chores, golf, or tennis can affect the muscles above and below the elbow and cause tendinitis. Overuse injuries are often seen in individuals who perform repetitive motions or activities, such as tennis players or construction workers.
- Tennis elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Despite its name, this condition doesn’t only affect tennis players. Anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles in twisting or gripping motions is at risk for developing tennis elbow.
- Golfer’s elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): The repetitive throwing motion used in baseball and the downward swing of a golf club are common causes. Medial epicondylitis can also be the result of a repetitive hand motion, such as swinging a hammer every day at work.
- Trauma and Injury: Elbow pain can also stem from fractures, dislocations, and sprains or strains.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Arthritis and bursitis can lead to elbow discomfort. Different types of arthritis affect your elbow joint in painful ways. In addition to pain, your elbow may become stiff and lose range of motion. You can also have swelling and inflammation.
- Nerve Compression: Conditions like Cubital Tunnel Syndrome and Radial Tunnel Syndrome can cause elbow pain.
- Tendinitis: This is inflammation of the tendons, the tissue that connects your muscles to your bones. A common cause: overuse.
Elbow Pain: Symptoms
Elbow pain symptoms can vary depending on the cause, but common signs include:
- Discomfort or soreness in the elbow joint.
- Stiffness.
- Weakness.
- Limited range of motion.
Elbow Pain Causes and Treatment
There are many different ways to treat elbow discomfort, from self-care measures like rest and self-massage to more sophisticated treatments like physical therapy, injections, and, in some cases, surgery. Treatment also will depend on the cause. For proper diagnosis and management, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.
- Rest: Rest, heat, stretching, and bracing are often the best ways to find relief.
- Ice: Apply ice to the affected area to reduce inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises used during physical therapy can strengthen the area. Exercises and stretches may relieve pain, increase range of motion, reduce inflammation, and strengthen muscles around the joint to help you avoid future injury.
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication can help you cope with the pain, but do not improve long-term outcomes.
- Braces or Immobilization: Support can be obtained from braces or splints.
- Injections: In more serious circumstances, a doctor may advise injections.
- Surgery: Surgery is a last resort if your symptoms don’t improve.
Preventing Elbow Pain
To prevent elbow pain, consider the following:
- Maintain proper posture and body mechanics during activities.
- Use proper techniques when playing sports or engaging in repetitive tasks.
- Take breaks to rest your elbow.
- Stretch and strengthen your forearm muscles regularly.
The Orthopaedic & Pain Practice
At The Orthopaedic & Pain Practice, we understand how debilitating elbow pain causes and treatment can be. Whether you’re dealing with tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or another condition, our team of experts is here to help you find lasting relief. We specialize in diagnosing and treating elbow pain to help our patients regain function and reduce discomfort. If you’re ready to take the first step towards a pain-free life, schedule an appointment today!