Tendons in the elbow provide strength, flexibility, and stability to the joint. Common problems include tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, caused by overuse or direct injury. Rest and ice can help, but severe damage may require surgery or physical therapy.
The tendons in the elbow are important in providing strength, flexibility and stability to the elbow joint. Many problems can affect the tendons in the elbow and are usually caused by direct injury or overuse. Most cases are mild and can be treated at home with rest and ice, although severe tendon damage may require physical therapy or surgery to correct the problems. The most common problems affecting the tendons in the elbow are tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and accidents in which the tendons are stretched or torn.
There are several tendons that meet at the elbow joint, including two major ones that are affected in most elbow injuries. The lateral epicondyle tendon attaches the forearm muscles outside the joint, and the medial epicondyle tendon attaches the muscles inside the joint. The tendons work together to allow the fingers to bend, straighten and grip.
The most common problem with the lateral epicondyle elbow tendons is an overuse injury known as tennis elbow. Predictably, it is a common ailment of tennis players, although anyone who repeatedly raises, straightens and bends their arm while working or playing sports can suffer the injury. Tennis elbow is a form of tendonitis in which pain, swelling, and inflammation are present on the outside of the elbow. The injury often causes pain that radiates to the wrist and weakness in the forearm. It can be difficult to grasp and hold even light objects, such as a tennis racket, soccer ball, or glass.
A similar form of tendonitis known as golfer’s elbow can affect the medial epicondyle tendon on the inner arm. It is common in people who frequently bend their wrists and clench their fingers, such as golfers, painters, and construction workers. Symptoms include inner elbow pain and swelling, finger weakness, and occasionally numbness that radiates up the arm.
Many other problems can affect the tendons in the elbow. A direct injury to the elbow joint can cause inflammation, tissue damage, or even tear a tendon. A person who lands on their elbow after a fall or accidentally extends the joint beyond its normal range of motion can suffer such an injury. The pain is usually immediate and severe and can significantly impair movement and strength.
Most elbow tendon problems can be relieved by resting and icing the joint. An individual should avoid strenuous activity until the pain and swelling subside, which can take anywhere from a few days to a month or more. If pain is severe or does not go away with home treatment, a person should see a medical professional at an emergency room or doctor’s office. A doctor can examine the joint and take x-rays to determine the extent of tissue damage. He or she might prescribe pain medications, arrange physical rehabilitation therapy, or suggest surgery to repair or replace torn tendons.
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