Common Elbow Injuries
Tendinitis, also known as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, is a common cause of elbow pain. It occurs when the tendons in the elbow become inflamed or injured due to repetitive motions or overuse of the joint. Here's some additional information about tendinitis of the elbow:
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This type of tendinitis affects the outer side of the elbow. It is typically caused by repetitive wrist extension movements, such as those involved in playing tennis, hence the name "tennis elbow." However, it can also be caused by other activities like painting, typing, or using hand tools.
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Golfer's elbow affects the inner side of the elbow. Contrary to its name, it is not limited to golfers and can affect anyone who performs repetitive wrist flexion movements. Activities like golfing, throwing, or swinging a racket can contribute to this condition.
Overuse and Repetitive Motions: Excessive and repetitive use of the elbow joint can strain the tendons, leading to tendinitis. This can occur in various professions or hobbies that involve repetitive arm movements, such as painting, plumbing, carpentry, or playing musical instruments.
Symptoms: The common symptoms of tendinitis in the elbow include pain and tenderness on the affected side of the elbow, a weakened grip, difficulty in fully extending or flexing the forearm, and discomfort when performing activities that involve the affected tendon.
Treatment: Initially, rest and avoiding activities that worsen the symptoms are recommended. Applying ice packs and using over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy exercises may also be prescribed to strengthen the affected muscles and tendons. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be considered.
If you're experiencing persistent or severe elbow pain, it's always
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What Types Of Injuries Cause Elbow Pain and How Are They Treated? <p><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/physiotherapist"> Physiotherapist,</a> discusses what types of injuries cause elbow pain and how are they treated.</p>Physiotherapist, discusses what types of injuries cause elbow pain and how are they treated.
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Medial Elbow Pain Symptoms <p><a href="https://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/practitioner-type/physiotherapist">Physiotherapist,</a> discusses symptoms of medial elbow pain.</p>Physiotherapist, discusses symptoms of medial elbow pain.
Elbow Pain Injuries & How Are They Treated?
Elbow pain can have various causes, including the ones you mentioned such as ligament sprain, bursitis, bone injuries like fractures or dislocations, and nerve irritation. These conditions often require medical attention, and consulting with a local family physician is indeed a good starting point for diagnosis and treatment.
Repetitive strain or overuse of the muscles in the forearm is a common cause of elbow pain, known as lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow. This condition occurs when the muscles and tendons of the forearm become overloaded, leading to pain and weakness during hand movements. Everyday activities can become challenging when affected by this condition. In such cases, a local physiotherapist can provide valuable assistance.
Physiotherapy aims to reduce pain, restore strength and flexibility, and improve overall function. A physiotherapist will assess the condition, develop a personalized treatment plan, and may utilize techniques such as exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and modalities like heat or ice therapy to help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
If you are experiencing elbow pain or any discomfort, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and guidance regarding diagnosis and treatment options.
So pain felt along the outer aspect of the elbow or forearm is known as extensor tendinopathy or more commonly referred to as tennis elbow, while pain experienced on the inner aspect of the elbow or forearm is typically known as flexor tendinopathy or as golfer’s elbow.
So, playing tennis and golf are not the only reasons for experiencing tennis or golfer’s elbow. It’s typically associated with any occupational, or leisure, or sporting activities that involve any repetitive or prolonged gripping, lifting, writing, playing a musical instrument, or any activity really that involves repetitive use of the wrist or the hand.
So basically, an easy way to help you determine if you might think that you have tennis elbow is to see if you can reproduce that pain on the outside of your elbow specifically by resisting extension of your third finger. In treating this condition, often seeing a local massage therapist for muscle tension, a local personal trainer for muscle strength and a physiotherapist for release and conditioning is a good option.
This is a muscle that is specifically attached to this part of the elbow and therefore that muscle contraction can help to differentiate this from a different, kind of, injury such as a ligament.
Consulting a physiotherapist is indeed a good step to take. They can assess the specific location of your pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Physiotherapists may incorporate various techniques into your treatment plan. Hands-on therapy, such as massage therapy, joint mobilization, and soft tissue techniques, can help reduce pain and promote healing. Needling techniques like acupuncture or intramuscular stimulation may also be used to address specific issues.
In addition to seeing a physiotherapist, it can be beneficial to involve other healthcare professionals, such as a family physician, registered dietitian, and athletic therapist, depending on your specific situation. Working together as a team can provide a comprehensive approach to managing your condition and optimizing your overall health.
Postural reeducation is an essential aspect of treatment, especially if poor posture contributes to your elbow injury. Addressing and correcting any postural imbalances can help alleviate strain on the affected area and prevent future injuries.
A specific home exercise program prescribed by your physiotherapist will play a crucial role in your recovery. These exercises will be designed to restore strength, mobility, and function to your elbow. Following the program diligently can accelerate your rehabilitation process and minimize the risk of reinjury.
It's worth noting that maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, as recommended by a registered dietitian, and engaging in regular exercise are beneficial for overall health. These factors can support the healing process and contribute to your general well-being.
Remember to consult a healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or a medical doctor, for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan based on your specific condition.