Contents:
- Medical Video: What Causes Elbow Pain? | Q&A with Dr. John Ingari
- What are the common causes of elbow pain?
- Tendinosis or tendonitis
- Olecranon bursitis
- Osteoarthritis
Medical Video: What Causes Elbow Pain? | Q&A with Dr. John Ingari
In martial arts, you may often hear people say that the elbow is the hardest bone in the body. Although the statement may be true, you can still feel pain in the elbow due to trauma or injury.
The elbow joint consists of bone, cartilage (cartilage), ligaments and fluid. Muscles and tendons help the elbow joint move freely. When one of these structures is injured or injured, you will experience elbow problems. Many factors cause pain in the elbow, such as:
- Injury during exercise is a common cause of elbow pain.
- Accident when falling.
- Exercise that rests on the joints.
- Diseases and disorders that affect body parts.
Your elbows can experience cracks or dislocations due to falling right on your elbows or your arms getting too much pressure. Your doctor can straighten your dislocated joints, and don't try to do this yourself without the supervision of experts.
When your elbow is cracked or dislocated, immediately do first aid. Don't move your elbows and attach splints to reduce shocks. You can attach ice packs to reduce swelling in the injured area.
What are the common causes of elbow pain?
To get the best treatment, first know the cause of pain in your elbow.
Tendinosis or tendonitis
Tendinosis, otherwise known as chronic tendonitis, is a tendon injury that causes extreme pain in the elbow. The cause of tendonitis is the habit of using your wrists and elbows constantly, such as throwing baseball or swinging a golf club, or playing tennis.
There are two types of tendonitis, namely medial epicondylitis or "elbow golf player" (the type of tendonitis that affects the inside of the elbow) and lateral epicondylitis or "tennis elbow" (the type of tendonitis that affects the outside of the elbow).
For pain caused by tendons, symptoms will gradually disappear with rest, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Olecranon bursitis
Sometimes elbow pain can come from the bursa, a small bag filled with fluid that helps protect and lubricate the joint. Leaning or getting bumps on your elbows, infections, and arthritis can cause damage to your stock.
This condition may be treated with medication and elbow pads. In some severe cases, surgery may be needed.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes pain and reduces motion in your hands. This condition can occur in any joint, but usually attacks the hands, knees, hips or spine.
Osteoarthritis breaks down cartilage which helps reduce sudden movements. When this condition occurs, bones that rub against each other over time will permanently damage the joints.
Treatments that can be given are recommendations for exercise, medication, and surgery including joint replacement for more severe cases.
In many cases, you must undergo physical therapy after treatment of severe elbow injuries. Physical therapy will help restore range of motion after surgery or after splints or casts are removed.
