Elbow pain can be caused by a number of different conditions. If you have not suffered an injury that accounts for you elbow pain it may be due to one of the causes below.
Golfers and tennis elbow are both forms of tendonitis and cause elbow pain. In golfers elbow or medial epicondylitis pain occurs on the inner side of the elbow. The pain can radiate down the elbow and to the wrist. Medial epicondylitis despite the name golfer’s elbow is related to repetitive motion injuries such as you would see in construction workers. Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis does affect almost half of racquet sports players but is common in repetitive motion jobs such as house painters and weavers. Lateral epicondylitis causes pain on the lateral or outer aspect of the elbow and is the most common cause of elbow pain. Pain from the center of the joint where the triceps muscle attaches to the elbow may be triceps tendonitis an inflammation of the tendons attaching the triceps muscle to the elbow.
The elbow joint operates as both a hinge and also rotates the hand. It is composed of the radius and ulna distally and the humerus proximally or closer to the body. In addition to these bones, the joint is composed of muscles, ligaments and tendons. The median, ulnar and radial nerves all cross the elbow on the way to your hand and irritation of these nerves can also be a source of elbow pain as well as numbness and tingling of the fingers. The elbow also contains a bursa which is a fluid filled sac that helps the joint move smoothly. This bursa can become inflamed causing pain from bursitis of the elbow
Golfers and Tennis elbow are diagnosed by physical exam and history. X-rays may be taken but are usually normal.
Treatment of tennis or golfers elbow involve a combination of rest, stretching and strengthening exercises, ice and heat modalities, nonsterodial ant-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen and naproxen, and corticosteroids. Your doctor may inject the area with steroids which may provide relief of pain. You may be instructed to rest the joint for a period of time. Certain exercises and stretches may be advised and possibly physical therapy. Tendonitis generally responds to medical treatments and does not require surgical intervention. If your elbow pain is being caused by an entrapped nerve surgery may be needed to release it. Pain relief may be obtained through some or all of these tennis or golfers elbow pain treatments.
Elbow pain can be caused by a number of different conditions. It is important to get appropriate follow up and diagnosis from your doctor to determine the cause and decide treatment.
This article is meant to be informational and is not meant as medical advice. Always follow up with your doctor if you have questions about your health.
Sources:
<http://jointhealing.com/pages/elbow/elbow_sx.html>
wikipedia.org/wiki/Elbow-joint
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/el
Elbow Pain, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment: Do you have golfers or tennis elbow
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