Elbow problems, including injuries, sprains, fractures, arthritis, bursitis, tennis elbow, and golfer’s elbow, can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and swelling. Overuse and repetitive movements can worsen these conditions, and treatment may include rest, cold packs, prescription drugs, cortisone injections, or physical therapy.
Many people will be affected by elbow problems at some point in their lives. Elbow discomfort can occur for a variety of reasons. The most common problems are injuries, sprains and fractures. Other common problems include arthritis, bursitis, tennis elbow, and golfer’s elbow. Symptoms of these problems generally include pain, numbness, tingling, and swelling.
If the elbow is overused, injuries can occur. An elbow injury can occur from continually repeating an activity or overdoing an activity at one time. Overuse of an elbow can lead to other problems as well. These other common problems often include a sprain or fracture.
An elbow sprain is a tear or strain of a ligament. More than one ligament can be injured in a sprain. This can happen from elbow hyperextension or jamming. The significance of this injury usually depends on the severity of the ligament damage.
Fractures are another type of family elbow problems. A fracture can occur when pieces of bone break off in the elbow joint. Traffic accidents, sports activities, and falls are typically some of the more common causes of these types of injuries. An elbow fracture may require a cast or splint. Some fractures may require surgery.
Elbow problems can also cause arthritis. This is one of the most common causes of elbow pain. There are a few specific types of arthritis that generally affect the elbow. These types include rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Bursitis can be another problem that could affect the elbow. Olecranon bursitis is an alternative name. Bursitis patients may have tenderness and swelling behind the elbow joint. This can be the result of constant pressure on the elbow or an injury.
Tennis elbow can also cause elbow problems. Also known as lateral epicondylitis, this condition is another major cause of elbow pain. It can cause inflammation of the tendons in the outer elbow. Pain can occur when inflamed tendons are used to bend the wrist backwards from the palm. In general, local tenderness is a persistent problem.
Repetitive movement of the forearms can make this condition worse. These movements can include activities such as washing windows, manually using a screwdriver, or hitting a tennis ball with a racket. Typically, most people with tennis elbow are not tennis players. Symptoms of tennis elbow can include pain or tenderness in the outer elbow.
Golfer’s elbow is another elbow problem. This condition is also known as medial epicondylitis. Pain may radiate to the elbow when inflamed tendons are used to bend the wrist forward toward the palm. Activities that require straining or twisting can intensify this pain.
Strains can come from a golf swing and many other activities. Typically, individuals with golfer’s elbow are not golfers. Any repetitive activity that causes the wrist to flex can cause this condition. Pain inside the elbow and tenderness are general symptoms.
Treatment may vary according to the problem presented and its severity. Many types of elbow problems can be treated at home. Other problems may require attention from a healthcare professional. Treatment can be as minimal as applying cold packs and resting the elbow. More serious problems may require a cast, prescription drugs, cortisone injections, or physical therapy.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
