Elbow Pain (cont.)
What injuries can cause elbow pain?
Tendinitis
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
The lateral epicondyle is the outside bony portion of the
elbow where
large tendons attach to the elbow from the muscles of the
forearm. These
tendons can be injured, especially with repetitive motions of
the forearm,
such as using a manual screwdriver, washing windows, or hitting
a backhand
in tennis play. Tennis elbow results with inflammation of the tendons causing pain over the outside
of the
elbow, occasionally with warmth and swelling but always with
local
tenderness. The elbow maintains its full range of motion, as
the inner
joint is not affected, and the pain can be particularly noticed
toward the
end of the day. Repeated twisting motions or activities that
strain the
tendon typically elicit increased pain. X-rays are usually normal but can reveal
calcium deposits
in the tendon or reveal other unforeseen abnormalities of the elbow
joint.
The treatment of
lateral epicondylitis includes ice packs, resting the involved elbow, and
antiinflammatory medications. Antiinflammatory medications typically used
include aspirin and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory
drugs
(NSAIDs) such as naproxen (Naprosyn),
diclofenac
(Voltaren), and ibuprofen (Motrin). Bracing the elbow can help. Simple braces for tennis elbow can be found in community pharmacies and athletic goods stores.
Local
cortisone injections are given for persistent pain. Activity
involving the
elbow is resumed gradually. Ice application after activity can
reduce or
prevent recurrent inflammation. Occasionally, supportive straps
can
prevent reinjury. In severe cases, an orthopedic surgical
repair is
performed.
- Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)
Medial epicondylitis is inflammation at the point where the
tendons of
the forearm attach to the bony prominence of the inner elbow.
As an
example, this tendon can become strained in a golf swing, but
many other
repetitive motions can injure the tendon. Golfer's elbow is
characterized
by local pain and tenderness over the inner elbow. The range of
motion of
the elbow is preserved because the inner joint of the elbow is
not
affected. Those activities which require twisting or straining
the forearm
tendon can elicit pain and worsen the condition. X-rays for
epicondylitis
are usually normal but can indicate calcifications of the
tendons if the
tendinitis has persisted for extended periods of time.
The usual treatment involves ice packs, resting the elbow, and
medications including aspirin and other NSAIDs. Examples of
NSAIDs include
naproxen (Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), and ibuprofen (Motrin).
With severe inflammation, local corticosteroid (cortisone)
injections are
sometimes given. Using a strap can prevent reinjury. After a
gradual
rehabilitation exercise program, return to usual activity is
best
accompanied by ice applications after use. This helps to avoid
recurrent
inflammation.
Olecranon bursitis
Olecranon bursitis (inflammation of the bursa a the tip of the elbow) can occur from injury or minor trauma as a result of
systemic diseases such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis, or
it can
be due to a
local infection. Olecranon bursitis is typically associated with swelling over
the tip of
the elbow, while range of motion of the inner elbow joint is
maintained.
Fractures
The bones of the elbow can break (fracture) into the elbow
joint or
adjacent to the elbow joint. Fractures generally require
immobilization
and casts and can require orthopedic pinning or open joint
surgery.
Sprain
A sprain is a stretch or tear injury to a ligament. One or more ligaments can be injured during a sprain. This might occur when the elbow is hyperextended or simply jammed, such as in a "stiffarm" collision. The severity of the injury will depend on the extent of injury to a single ligament (whether the tear is partial or complete) and the number of ligaments involved. Treatment involves rest, ice, immobilization, compression, and antiinflammation medications.
Next: What are diseases and conditions that can cause
elbow pain, and how are they treated? »
- ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc. - Explains the medication ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren) a drug used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
- Cortisone Injection - Read about cortisone injection treatment for inflammation, allergic reaction, sciatica and arthritis. Learn about side effects and complications of a cortisone shot.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission).
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