 |
| inner elbow pain | causes | treatment | prevention |
What causes inner elbow pain, and what are the options for treatment?
Inner elbow pain can be caused by repetitive activities such as throwing a ball, lifting weights, or typing. Medial epicondylitis is the most common cause of this type of pain in athletes.
Inner elbow pain commonly radiates from the muscles on the inside of the upper arm, down into the hand, and over the elbow joint. It may be uncomfortable when bending or relaxing the elbow.
Inner elbow pain is more common in people who participate in sports or jobs that requires repetitive movements, such as lifting weights or using a hammer.
Rest, medication, ice, and strengthening exercises can all help to prevent and manage inner elbow pain. It can be beneficial to work with a physical therapist. Surgery may be required in some circumstances.
Learn more about what causes inner elbow discomfort, as well as how to prevent and cure it, by reading on.
Causes
A variety of factors might induce inner elbow pain. Inflammation of soft tissues, such as ligaments and tendons, is a common cause.
Medial epicondylitis, popularly known as "golfer's elbow," is one of the most common reasons of inner elbow pain. This is a type of tendonitis that affects both the forearm muscles and the tendons in the inner elbow. This illness causes pain on the inside of the arm that runs from the elbow to the wrist.
Overuse injuries such as golfer's elbow are common. When a person tries too much of something their body isn't ready for, they suffer from overuse injuries. When too much effort is applied to bend the wrist toward the palm in patients with golfer's elbow, the tendons and ligaments get stretched.
Inner elbow pain can be caused by the following movements:
- In tennis, a serve is the act of delivering a ball to another player.
- javelin throwing
- lugging a large luggage
- wood chopping with an ax
- making use of a chainsaw
- hefty objects to be lifted
Swelling and soreness in the inner elbow may occur if these repetitive maneuvers are performed. The disease might be exacerbated by having weak shoulder and wrist muscles.
Related symptoms
Golfer's elbow can be accompanied by other symptoms. These symptoms can occur while performing a task or while at rest.
Bending the wrist toward the palm might cause pain in the inner elbow for certain people. Making a fist can be unpleasant as well.
- a throbbing discomfort that radiates from the elbow to the wrist
- a discomfort in the inside of the elbow
- In the inside elbow, there is a weakening or a tightness.
- Having difficulty moving the elbow or hand
- Having trouble grasping items
Pain on the outside of the arm is a common symptom of lateral epicondylitis, or “tennis elbow.” This is also an overuse injury affecting the soft tissue of the arm.
Treatment
Inner elbow pain is treated differently depending on the origin of the injury.
The tendons and ligaments in the arm of patients with golfer's elbow become strained as a result of overuse, causing pain. Resting the damaged arm is usually the first step in the rehabilitation process. Once the discomfort is under control, therapeutic activities can be used to strengthen the muscles that surround the tendons. This reduces the risk of re-injury.
Treatment options vary based on the person and the nature of the damage. Inner elbow pain can be treated in a variety of methods, including:
Rest
When someone gets inner elbow pain, the first thing they should do is stop doing whatever it is that is causing them pain. Symptoms can be treated with an ice pack or an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug.
Stretch and strengthen your muscles.
Strengthening activities may be beneficial to some people. These work on the muscles that surround the affected tendons, which aids in recovery. The arm's resistance to future stressors can be improved by increasing the strength and endurance of these muscles.
- Straighten the damaged arm and bend the hand up as if you were signaling someone to "stop." Pull the hand back with the other arm until you feel a stretch in the forearm. Repeat 4 times for a total of 30 seconds.
- Wrist extension strengthening: Place your forearm on a table, palm facing up, and a light hand weight of 1 to 3 pounds in your hand. Allow your hand to slowly sink to the floor, then curl the weight back up to the starting position with your wrist. Work your way up to 30 reps.
- Grasp a rubber stress ball in the injured arm's hand and squeeze it. Squeeze with all of your fingers and the palm of your hand. Rep 10 times more.
Brace
If the discomfort is worsened by bending the wrist, the person should consider wearing a brace. The upper part of the forearm is wrapped in a golfer's elbow brace. They're available online and in a variety of drugstores.
Injection of steroid
If the pain and swelling don't go away after trying the above remedies, a doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections to relieve inflammation.
Surgery
An individual may require surgery in exceptional circumstances. A medial epicondyle release is what this is called. The flexor tendon is relieved of tension.
In most cases, surgery is not required to treat medial epicondylitis. If other treatment options have failed, a doctor may recommend it.
Other circumstances
If someone's inner elbow pain is caused by something other than golfer's elbow, such as arthritis, the therapies will be different. A doctor will prescribe drugs and physical therapy that are appropriate for you.
Factors that are at risk
Golfer's elbow affects less than 1% of the population. Those who do so are often between the ages of 40 and 60. It affects both men and women equally.
Because of the repetitive motions in sports like golf, tennis, and baseball, people who participate in them on a regular basis are at a higher risk. Incorrect technique or a lack of sufficient warm-up might increase the risk of injury and pain in the inner elbow.
People who work in a vocation that requires them to use a hammer, chainsaw, or other comparable tool on a regular basis are also at a higher risk. Another repetitive movement that might cause the disease is typing.
If someone is already at risk of developing inner elbow pain as a result of their job or hobbies, having weak forearm muscles increases that risk.
Prevention
Strengthening the wrist, forearm, and shoulder muscles is one of the greatest strategies to prevent inner elbow damage.
- the act of squeezing a tennis ball
- curling your wrists
- wrist curls in the opposite direction
A complete warm-up should be performed before playing a sport or working with tools. Stretching and warming up the muscles before engaging in vigorous activity can aid in injury prevention. If someone is in pain while doing anything, they should cease doing it right away.
When should you see a doctor?
If people's inner elbow pain doesn't go away after using ice packs, taking anti-inflammatory medicine, and doing strengthening and stretching activities at home, they should see a doctor.
Physical therapy may be prescribed by a doctor. A specialist will assess the person and provide appropriate therapy exercises.
A doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection if these therapies do not reduce pain. They may suggest surgery in some circumstances.
Summary
Medial epicondylitis, sometimes known as golfer's elbow, is a common cause of inner elbow pain. The inner elbow tendons become irritated and painful in this type of tendonitis (acute) or tendinopathy (chronic). Wrist pain and/or forearm weakness are other possible side effects.
Playing particular sports or working with certain items that need repetitive hand motions are both risk factors for inner elbow pain. Inner elbow pain is more likely to develop in people who have weak wrist and forearm muscles, as well as poor form.
Treatments include ice, anti-inflammatory medication, and strengthening exercises. A doctor may suggest more harsh treatment in specific instances.
The majority of cases of inner elbow discomfort improve with rest and at-home treatment.
Comments
Post a Comment