Elbow pain is common among athletes who play sports such as tennis, baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, golf, hockey, lacrosse, or even bowling. The elbow joint is a hinge joint between the upper arm bone (humerus) and forearm bones (radius and ulna). This joint allows us to bend our arms at the elbows.
Elbow injuries occur because of repetitive movements, overuse, strain or trauma. They can also happen during athletic activities such as throwing, catching, hitting, or kicking.
What is Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?
Lateral epicondylitis is an inflammation that occurs in the elbow area. It is caused by excessive use of the muscles that are attached to the outside of your elbow. These muscles include the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle, which helps extend the wrist; the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle, which extends the fingers; and the flexor carpi radialis muscle, which flexes the wrist.
What causes elbow pain without injury?
The most common cause of elbow pain without injury is inflammation. Inflammation occurs when your body’s immune system responds to an infection or other irritation in your tissues. It usually involves swelling, warmth, tenderness, redness, and loss of function.
There are many different types of inflammation that affect the joints. Some examples include:
Arthritis – A condition where the cartilage covering the ends of bones wears away.
Bursitis – An inflammation of fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion and protect tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
Gout – A form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.
Tendinitis – A painful inflammation of one or more tendons.
Osteoarthritis – A degenerative disease of the joints that results in wear and tear on the cartilage.
What does tendonitis in the elbow feel like?
Tendonitis in the elbow feels similar to tendonitis anywhere else in the body. You may have mild discomfort with movement, but it will be worse if you try to use the affected area. Tendonitis in the elbow often begins with a dull ache or soreness that worsens after exercise or activity.
Symptoms of tendonitis in the elbow include:
Dull aches or pains in the elbow
Swelling of the elbow
Stiffness of the elbow
Difficulty moving the elbow
Limited range of motion in the elbow
What does bursitis in the elbow feel like?
Bursitis in the elbow is a type of inflammation that affects the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion and protect tendinous tissue. These areas of thickened tissue become inflamed and swollen. When this happens, they press against nerves and blood vessels causing pain.
Symptoms of bursitis in the shoulder include:
Sharp, burning pain in the shoulder
Soreness in the shoulder
Swelling
Numbness
Tenderness
Loss of strength in the hand
What is ulnar nerve elbow pain
Ulnar nerve elbow pain occurs when the ulnar nerve is pinched at the elbow. The ulnar nerve travels from the brain through the arm and into the hand. This nerve controls sensation in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, pinky, and half of the little finger. If the ulnar nerve is compressed, numbness may occur in these fingers. Ulnar nerve elbow pain can also cause weakness in the hand.
How do you get rid of elbow pain
Elbow pain is one of the most common injuries among athletes. It affects about 30% of the population, especially those who play sports. Unfortunately, there is no cure for elbow pain. However, there are several things you can do to relieve the symptoms and prevent further injury.
Here are 3 ways to get rid of arm pain.
1. Ice Therapy
Ice therapy is an effective treatment for elbow pain. Applying ice packs directly to the affected area reduces swelling and inflammation. This helps to ease pain and promote healing. However, ice therapy should be used sparingly. Overuse of ice may lead to tissue damage. So, don't apply ice packs too often. Instead, use ice packs for 15 minutes once or twice a day.
2. Rest
Resting is another effective treatment for elbow pain caused by repetitive motion. When you rest, your muscles relax and allow your joints to heal. This allows your tendons and ligaments to recover and strengthen. Resting also promotes muscle growth and prevents soreness. So, if you're experiencing elbow pain due to repetitive motions, try resting instead of working out.
3. Strengthen Exercises
Strengthening exercises are recommended for people suffering from elbow pain. These exercises target the muscles surrounding the joint, helping to improve range of motion and strength. Some examples include using elastic bands or resistance tubing to perform bicep curls and triceps extensions. Other examples include performing pushups and lunges. The goal of these exercises is to increase flexibility and strength in the muscles surrounding the elbow. By strengthening these muscles, you can avoid future injury and reduce the likelihood of developing arthritis later in life.
Remember, elbow pain is very common. But, there are many things you can do to treat it effectively. Start implementing these tips into your daily routine today.
Get Treatment for Your Elbow Pain Today
Elbow pain is common among people who play sports or work out regularly. Our team at LJ Chiropractic, Courtney, Sophia and Li Jen are experts when it comes to elbow conditions. We believe preventative chiropractic care and management prior to pain determines the longevity of joint movement and prevents injuries occurring, allowing you to lead an active lifestyle. LJ Chiropractic offers tailored treatment options to accommodate the varied needs of our patients. Contact us now for your elbow physical examination!
