Elbow Pain
Elbow pain may be caused by a traumatic or overuse injury. People may report feeling an aching or other discomfort in the elbow that is not related to a direct injury.
What Causes Elbow Pain?
Elbow tendonitis is an inflammation and injury to the tendons. Tendons are soft tissues attaching muscle to bone.
Tennis elbow
People who play racquet sports are more likely to injure the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Generally, this condition is called tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis.
Pain can be felt in the forearm and wrist. Although lateral epicondylitis is referred to as tennis elbow, a person can have this injury without ever playing a racquet sport.
Golfer's elbow
Golfers are more likely to injure the tendons on the inside of the elbow, and this is called golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis.
Some people may also feel stiffness in their elbow or weakness in their hands or wrists. Nerves run through this part of the elbow, so people suffering from golfer’s elbow also may report tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation in their hands or fingers.
Although medial epicondylitis is often referred to as golfer’s elbow, anyone can develop this condition.
What Can You Do to Help Your Elbow Pain?
- Apply ice up to 15 minutes every hour for the first day. Continue to apply ice every three to four hours for up to three days.
- Wrap the elbow with a bandage to keep the elbow immobilized.
- Keep the elbow elevated above your heart.
- While you are resting the joint, take pain relievers such as acetaminophen, naproxen or ibuprofen.
- Activity modification is essential in the first few weeks following the injury.
What Are Other Common Causes of Elbow Pain?
- Arthritis – narrowing of the joint space and loss of cartilage in the elbow
- Bursitis – inflammation of a fluid-filled cushion beneath the skin
- Elbow strains
- Infection of the elbow
Prevention of elbow pain
- Reduce the activity that causes the pain.
- Warm up slowly. Stretch the forearm before, during, and after exercise.
- Use an elbow sleeve to help keep your arm warm while playing.
- For tennis, use the correct grip size, a two-handed backhand, and proper tension racquet strings.
- Perform regular stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Use bracing to protect and support the elbow, as suggested by your physician or physical therapist.
When Should You Contact a Medical Professional?
Contact a medical professional when you have one or more of the following symptoms:
- You have prolonged tendinitis that does not improve with home care.
- Pain is due to a traumatic elbow injury.
- There is obvious deformity in the joint.
- You are unable to use the elbow.
- You have a fever or swelling and redness of your elbow.