What Causes Elbow Pain?
The elbow is both a hinge and pivot joint where the three bones in your arm come together - the two bones in your forearm (radius and ulna) and your upper arm bone (humerus.) Elbow pain is common in athletes and active individuals. It is frequently caused by:
- Fractures
- Bursitis
- Instability/Dislocation
- Nerve injury
- Golfer’s elbow/Tennis elbow
- Sprains/Strains /Tendinitis
- Osteoarthritis/Rheumatoid arthritis
Symptoms that may accompany elbow pain include:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Weakness
Treatment depends on the cause of elbow pain.
How is Elbow Pain Treated?
Elbow pain can be treated nonsurgically using any, all, or any combination of the following:
- Activity modification. Slowing down or stopping activities that involve painful movements.
- A removable brace or splint.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Medications that decrease inflammation and pain.
- Physical therapy. Stretching and strengthening exercises
Injections may also be used.
Surgical treatments for elbow pain are prescribed on a case-by-case basis and should be discussed with an orthopedic elbow specialist like Dr. Donnelly.