The elbow is a very versatile joint that allows hinge and rotating movements making possible a variety of activities such as lifting, throwing, and hugging! Because it is a multifaceted joint, there could be several possible causes for elbow pain. These could include:
Overuse Elbow Injury:
Elbow pain is a common complaint among athletes who participate in throwing sports such as baseball, tennis, and basketball or in people with jobs that require repeated hand and arm movements. Good examples of overuse injuries are:
- Tennis elbow – Pain is felt on the outside of the elbow
- Golfer’s elbow – Pain is felt on the inside of the elbow
- Cubital tunnel syndrome – Pain is caused due to compression of a nerve within your elbow
Diseases affecting the Elbow Joint:
Some disease conditions that can cause elbow pain include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis – A type of autoimmune disease that destroys cartilage
- Osteoarthritis of the Elbow – Slow wearing out the elbow cartilage
- Gout – Build up of uric acid crystals in the elbow can cause severe elbow pain
- Lyme Disease – A disease carried by ticks can cause elbow joint pain
Traumatic Injuries:
These injuries include elbow sprains/strains, fractures or dislocations and are usually caused by motor vehicle accidents, falling on an outstretched arm, or getting hit directly on the elbow.
When to see your doctor
Usually elbow pain will resolve with rest and conservative treatments such as icing the injured elbow, use of over-the-counter pain medications, and avoiding activities that aggravate elbow pain. However, you should see your doctor for elbow pain in any of the following cases:
- You suspect your elbow may be dislocated or fractured.
- Elbow pain does not reduce with rest and application of ice.
- You have very severe pain, swelling, and bruising around the elbow region.
- You have trouble with flexing and extending at the elbow.
Our orthopedic team includes specialists with advanced training in the treatment of elbow and upper extremity conditions. Book an appointment with South Palm Orthopedics today.
South Palm Orthopedics is a medical practice devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases of the body's musculoskeletal system. Our orthopedic surgeons have advanced fellowship training in the areas of hand & wrist, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, trauma and fractures, foot and ankle, and sports medicine. The physicians of South Palm Orthopedics are committed to providing the highest level of orthopedic care to each and every patient each and every time.