Elbow Pain
Introduction
Elbow pain is a common condition that can have various causes. Pain can range from a burning sensation to a sharp pain and can lead to discomfort and difficulty moving your forearm.
Causes
Elbow pain is frequently caused due to overuse such as playing excessive golf, tennis, or weight lifting that involve intensive use of the forearm muscles. This can lead to inflammation of the triceps and biceps tendons that attach these muscles to the elbow.
Other causes of elbow pain include:
- Elbow fractures or dislocation that can occur during a fall or vehicular accident.
- Radial tunnel syndrome where the radial nerve which runs down your arm is compressed, often due to frequent rotation of the arm.
- Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition caused due to compression of the ulnar nerve, that runs from your neck down to your hand, through the inside of your elbow.
- Olecranon bursitis is inflammation of the olecranon bursa, a fluid-filled sac located at the tip of the elbow.
Signs and Symptoms
Elbow pain and its associated symptoms can vary depending on the cause.
- Tennis elbow causes a burning pain on the outside of the elbow where tendons of the forearm muscles are attached. You may also experience progressive loss of grip strength.
- Radial tunnel syndrome can cause forearm pain near the elbow as well as loss of sensation in the back of your hand and forearm.
- Cubital tunnel syndrome primarily causes intense pain in the inside of your elbow. You may lose grip strength or feel numbness or tingling in your ring and pinky fingers.
- Olecranon bursitis results in pain and swelling over the tip of your elbow. An infected bursa causes warmth and redness and may cause a fever.
- Elbow fractures or dislocations may cause sharp, severe pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty straightening your arm, bone deformity, and numbness and tingling in your hand.
Diagnosis
To evaluate elbow pain, your doctor will review your symptoms and history and perform a thorough physical examination. An X-ray may be ordered to see if a fracture is present.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and intensity of your elbow pain. Your doctor may recommend:
- Rest your elbow joint to reduce inflammation.
- Use Elbow pads or braces for support.
- Apply ice packs to reduce pain and swelling.
- Perform mild to moderate intensity muscle and tendon stretching exercises.
- Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be ordered for pain relief.
- A cortisone injection may be suggested to minimize inflammation.
- Surgery may be indicated for certain causes of elbow pain such as fractures, dislocations or for severe or persistent symptoms
Summary
Elbow pain is typically relieved if you follow your doctor’s instructions and adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Timely diagnosis and early treatment can prevent the worsening of your elbow pain.
