Elbow Pain Overview

Facts about elbow pain

The elbow joint is where three long bones come together.

· Tendinitis can affect either the inside or outside of the elbow.

· Ice, rest, and anti-inflammatory medicine are all used to treat tendinitis.

· The skin of the scraped (abraded) elbow might get infected with bacteria.

· Numbness and tingling of the little and ring fingers can be caused by irritation of the "funny bone" nerve in the elbow.

What is the function of the elbow and how is it designed?

The elbow is a joint in the center of the arm where three long bones connect. A hinge joint is formed when the upper arm bone (humerus) meets the inner bone of the forearm (ulna) and the outer bone of the forearm (radius). The radius and ulna also intersect in the elbow, allowing for forearm rotation. The elbow acts as a hinge, allowing the arm to move forward and backward as well as rotate (twisting outward and inward). The key muscle that flexes the elbow hinge is the biceps. The key muscle that stretches the elbow hinge is the triceps. The lateral epicondyle is a component of the humerus bone and is the outside bone of the elbow. Tendons are linked to this area and can be injured, resulting in tendinitis or inflammation (lateral epicondylitis, or "tennis elbow"). The medial epicondyle is a bony protrusion on the inside of the elbow. Additional muscle tendons link here and can be injured, resulting in medial epicondylitis, sometimes known as "golfer's elbow." Overlying the tip of the elbow is a fluid-filled sac (bursa), which serves to decrease friction (olecranon bursa). Inflammation of the tendons or bursae (plural for bursa) can affect the elbow, as can disorders that affect the bones and joints, such as fractures, arthritis, or nerve irritation. Any of these structures can cause elbow joint pain as a result of injury or disease.

What Is Tennis Elbow and How Does It Affect You?

Tennis elbow is a painful, burning ailment that affects the bone on the side of the elbow. Lateral epicondylitis is the medical word for tennis elbow. Inflammation of the tendon that connects the muscle to the bony protrusion (called the epicondyle) on the outside of the elbow causes pain.

What types of injuries might result in elbow pain? What signs and symptoms might you see if you have elbow pain?

· Tendinitis (or tendonitis)

o The lateral epicondyle (tennis elbow) is the bony part of the elbow on the outside where big tendons from the forearm muscles join to the elbow. These tendons are vulnerable to injury, especially when doing repetitive forearm actions as using a manual screwdriver, washing windows, or striking a backhand in tennis. Tennis elbow causes tendons to become inflamed, resulting in pain on the outside of the elbow, sometimes with warmth and swelling, but always with local tenderness. Because the inner joint is unaffected, the elbow maintains its full range of motion, and the pain is most noticeable towards the end of the day. Twisting actions or activities that put a strain on the tendon usually result in more pain. Lifting and throwing are two of them. X-rays are normally normal, but if you have persistent tendinitis, they can reveal calcium deposits in the tendon or other abnormalities in the elbow joint.

Ice packs, resting the affected elbow, and anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to treat lateral epicondylitis. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen (Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), and ibuprofen are commonly used anti-inflammatory treatments (Motrin). Bracing the elbow can be beneficial. Tennis elbow braces can be bought in community pharmacy and sporting goods stores. Persistent pain is treated with local cortisone injections. The elbow is progressively reintroduced to activity. After an exercise, ice can help to lessen or avoid repeated inflammation. Supportive straps can help avoid re-injury in some cases. An orthopedic surgical correction is performed in extreme circumstances.

o Inflammation at the area where the forearm tendons join to the bony protrusion of the inner elbow is known as medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow). This tendon can be strained in a golf swing, for example, but it can also be injured by other repeated activities. Localized soreness and tenderness over the inner elbow characterize golfer's elbow. Because the inner joint of the elbow is unaffected, the elbow's range of motion is retained. Activities that require twisting or straining the forearm tendon can aggravate the disease and cause pain. X-rays for epicondylitis are normally unremarkable, but if the tendinitis has been present for a long time, they may reveal calcifications of the tendons.

Ice packs, resting the elbow, and drugs such as aspirin and other NSAIDs are the most common treatments. Local corticosteroid (cortisone) injections are sometimes used to treat severe inflammation. The use of a strap can help prevent re-injury. Returning to normal activity following a gradual rehabilitation exercise program is best accompanied by ice applications after use. This reduces the likelihood of recurring inflammation.

· Olecranon bursitis

Olecranon bursitis (inflammation of the bursa at the tip of the elbow) can be caused by an injury or small trauma, or it can be caused by a local infection. It can also be caused by systemic disorders like gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Swelling over the tip of the elbow is indicative of olecranon bursitis, although range of motion of the inner elbow joint is preserved.

· Fractures

Elbow bones can shatter (fracture) in the elbow joint or next to it. X-ray imaging is used to diagnose elbow fractures, which typically produce severe discomfort in the elbow. Fractures are usually treated with immobilization and casts, but they might also necessitate orthopedic surgery, such as pinning or open joint surgeries.

· Sprain

A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn. During a sprain, one or more ligaments may be injured. When the elbow is hyperextended or merely jammed, as in a "stiffarm" collision, this can happen. The level of injury to a single ligament (whether the rip is partial or total) and the number of ligaments involved will determine the severity of the injury. Rest, ice, immobilization, compression, and anti-inflammation drugs are all used to treat the condition.

What diseases and disorders are associated with elbow pain?

Arthritis of the elbow

Many systemic forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and reactive arthritis (previously known as Reiter's disease), can cause inflammation of the elbow joint (arthritis). They're usually linked to symptoms of elbow inflammation, such as heat, warmth, swelling, pain, tenderness, and restricted range of motion. Because the swollen joint obstructs range of motion, arthritis of the elbow reduces elbow range of motion.

Cellulitis

Abrasions of the skin usually cause infection-related skin inflammation (cellulitis). Bacteria on the surface of the skin can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin when abrasions or puncture wounds occur. This results in irritated skin with redness, warmth, and swelling. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are the most prevalent bacteria that cause cellulitis. Patients may experience a low-grade fever. Cellulitis is usually treated with antibiotics, either orally or intravenously. The use of heat can aid in the healing process. As previously mentioned, cellulitis can cause infection of the olecranon bursa, resulting in olecranon bursitis.

Infected elbow joint (septic arthritis)

Septic arthritis (bacterial infection of the elbow joint) is a rare occurrence. It's especially common in persons with weakened immune systems or diabetes, as well as those taking corticosteroid treatments or abusing intravenous drugs. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are the most prevalent bacteria that infect the elbow joint. Antibiotics and, in some cases, surgical drainage are required for septic arthritis of the elbow. The elbow joint is characterized by heat, swelling, redness, and pain, as well as a limited range of motion. Fever, sweats, and chills are common symptoms of septic arthritis.

Osteochondritis dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans is a rare cartilage condition in which the cartilage in the joint flakes away from the bone. This can cause elbow locking, discomfort, and loss of range of motion. An MRI scan or contrast CT scan imaging of the affected elbow joint can be used to identify osteochondritis dissecans. The damaged cartilage is usually repaired and removed through arthroscopic surgery.

Tumors

Elbow joint bone cancers are uncommon. It is possible to develop primary bone cancer. It may or may not be painful, and it may or may not be connected with elbow pain. X-ray testing can generally detect it. Bone scanning with nuclear medicine can also help with detection.

Ulnar nerve entrapment

The ulnar nerve runs between the tip of the elbow and the inner elbow bone, and is known as the "funny bone" nerve. It can be "pinched" at this location by normal or enlarged structures following an injury. Entrapment is the term for this pinching. When the ulnar nerve is entrapped, the little and ring fingers of the hand may experience numbness and tingling. Pain might affect the entire forearm, however it usually affects the inner side. Hand dexterity may be compromised. Elevating the hand might sometimes cause the numbness to return. Avoiding recurrent stress or pressure to the elbow area, as well as resting the elbow joint, are the mainstays of treatment. Ice can assist on occasion. The ulnar nerve may need to be surgically repositioned in extreme situations. The ulnar nerve is repositioned in such a way that it is no longer squeezed by the surrounding structures.

How do doctors determine the cause of elbow pain?

A review of the history and a physical examination are usually enough to identify elbow pain. The majority of elbow pain sources do not necessitate additional investigation. Further testing for various disorders may include X-ray examination, MRI scanning, arthrogram testing, and aspiration of fluid from the affected elbow area, as indicated above.

What are the options for treating elbow pain?

The treatment for elbow pain is determined by the source of the pain. Immobilization, anti-inflammatory medicines, and cold treatment are all options for treating uncomplicated inflammation. Casting and surgical surgery are two options for fracture treatment. Infections are treated with drainage and medicines.

See More: Diagnosis and Treatment of Elbow Fractures