Do you suffer from Elbow Pain?
Do you suffer from Elbow Pain?
Elbow pain is a common issue that can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. The elbow joint is a complex structure made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, which can be easily strained or injured. Whether you’re an athlete, a desk worker, or just someone going about daily activities, elbow pain can interfere with your ability to perform even the simplest tasks. Understanding the common causes of elbow pain can help in managing symptoms and finding the right treatment options.
Common causes of Elbow Pain:
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
- Bursitis
- Elbow Sprains and Strains
- Osteoarthritis
- Fractures and Dislocations
- Loose bodies
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is caused by inflammation of the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, this condition is not limited to tennis players. It can result from any repetitive motion that involves the forearm, such as typing, painting, or using hand tools. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which may worsen with gripping or lifting objects.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is similar to tennis elbow but affects the inner part of the elbow. It is caused by repetitive motions that involve the wrist and fingers, such as swinging a golf club or throwing a ball. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm. The pain often worsens with wrist flexion or gripping activities.
Bursitis
- Elbow bursitis, also known as olecranon bursitis, occurs when the bursa – a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the elbow joint – becomes inflamed. This can happen due to repetitive pressure on the elbow, direct trauma, or infection. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and redness around the elbow. The swelling may cause limited movement and discomfort when bending or straightening the arm.
Elbow Sprains and Strains
- Sprains and strains are common injuries that occur when the ligaments or muscles around the elbow are overstretched or torn. This can happen due to a fall, sudden impact, or overuse. Symptoms of a sprain or strain include pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced range of motion in the elbow.
Osteoarthritis
- Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the elbow, especially in older adults or those with a history of elbow injury. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the bones wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joint. Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the elbow may include a dull ache, a grating sensation, and difficulty fully bending or straightening the arm.
Fractures and Dislocations
- Elbow fractures and dislocations are serious injuries that often result from a fall or a direct blow to the elbow. A fracture involves a break in one or more of the bones that make up the elbow joint, while a dislocation occurs when the bones are forced out of their normal position. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and an obvious deformity. Immediate medical attention is required to properly diagnose and treat these injuries.
Loose bodies
- “Loose bodies” in the elbow joint are small fragments of bone, cartilage, or other tissue that have broken off and are floating within the joint space. These fragments can cause pain, swelling, and restricted movement, particularly when they get caught between the moving parts of the elbow. Loose bodies can result from various conditions or injuries including osteoarthritis and direct trauma such as fractures or dislocations which can cause bone or cartilage fragments to break off and remain in the joint space.
How Osteopathy can help
Our Osteopaths are trained in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions including those of the elbow, and will be able to provide a diagnosis and thorough treatment and management plan to help relieve your pain.
If you have questions about elbow pain and how our osteopaths might be able to help please call us on 03 5968 6889 or email info@emeralosteopathy.com.au We would love to work with you!
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