Elbow Pain

The elbow is a stable hinge joint that allows for bending, extension, and rotation of the arm. It connects the humerus to the radius and ulna with ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

Many people have experienced some form of elbow injury in their lifetime. From minor injuries like bumping your ‘funny bone’ to more serious conditions such as tennis elbow or bursitis, the elbow can be a very sensitive joint. Usually repetitive strain injuries due to work or sports are the most common cause of elbow pain or injuries.

Traumatic injuries can occur due to a direct blow, fall or an abnormal force through the elbow joint. Often bruising and swelling accompanies the pain in injuries such as this. Fracture, dislocation, muscle strains, joint sprains and injuries to the soft tissue surrounding the joint are examples of this type of acute injury.

Repetitive strain or overuse injuries can occur when the elbow joint is repeatedly put through ranges of motion that cause dysfunction. Examples of these types of injuries include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, olecranon bursitis, and ulnar nerve entrapment. Inflammation of the soft tissue or nerves surrounding the joint can cause pain, weakness and altered sensation. Overuse may occur during activities such as throwing, lifting, swimming, raquet sports, golfing, typing or working. Often repetitive strain injuries are common in professionals such as carpenters, electricians, office workers, accountants, and students. Pain in the forearm and elbow is often exacerbated by flexion and extension of the wrist.

Conservative therapy of these conditions is incredibly effective. Icing and resting the joint can reduce inflammation. Sometimes splinting the elbow to prevent further aggravation of the condition is useful. Once the inflammation is controlled, mobilization, hot and cold therapy, manipulation of the joint and soft tissue therapy is often to treat the condition. It is recommended that you consult a health care provider, such as a chiropractor, to get a diagnosis of the condition and to receive treatment for the injury.