Elbow pain can be a frustrating and exhausting condition. It can disturb your daily routine, from simple tasks like lifting groceries to more complex movements required in sports. The pain can vary greatly, ranging from a sharp ache to a dull throb. You might also experience tenderness, stiffness, or weakness in the elbow joint, making it difficult to grip objects or extend your arm fully. 

Repetitive motions or sustained pressure on the tendons near your elbow joint can strain them, especially where they connect to the bone. This overload can lead to elbow pain, particularly when using your wrist and hand. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help immediately. If left untreated, elbow pain can worsen and can lead to long-term complications.

At Prime Physio Care Clinic, we understand how elbow pain can affect your life. That is why we offer a comprehensive approach to elbow pain treatment, focusing on identifying the root cause of your discomfort and developing a personalized plan to get you back to pain-free movement. 

Elbow pain can stem from various conditions, each requiring specific treatments. Here are some common elbow disorders:

Tennis Elbow(Lateral Epicondylitis):

Tennis elbow also referred to as Lateral Epicondylitis, is a disorder that causes pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. It is often caused by overuse of the forearm muscles responsible for gripping and extending your wrist. It usually occurs in athletes, particularly tennis players. Repetitive tasks like painting or typing can also strain these muscles. 

The discomfort might feel like a burning or aching sensation. Fortunately, proper form during activities and avoiding repetitive strain can help prevent tennis elbow. Treatment may include rest, physiotherapy (stretching, strengthening elbow pain exercises), pain management techniques, and sometimes anti-inflammatory medication.

Golfer’s Elbow(Medial Epicondylitis):

Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition similar to tennis elbow but occurs in a different location. It affects the inner part of the elbow, where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump called medial epicondyle. This condition results from repetitive stress and can occur in golfers, pitchers, or anyone who frequently use their wrists or clench their fingers.

Activities that involve forceful gripping and wrist flexion, like golfing, hammering, weightlifting with improper form, or playing racquet sports, can overload the flexor muscles, leading to inflammation and pain. Similar to tennis elbow, focusing on rest, physiotherapy, and pain management can help treat a golfer’s elbow.

Olecranon Bursitis:

This disorder involves the inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located at the bony tip of the elbow. Direct blows to the elbow or prolonged pressure, like leaning on your elbows for extended periods, can irritate this bursa. The symptoms of olecranon bursitis include pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness right at the bony tip of your elbow. 

Treatment may include rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medication, and sometimes aspiration (removal of fluid) from the bursa. Physiotherapy is also recommended to improve flexibility and strength.

Osteoarthritis:

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease affecting various joints, including the elbow. It results from the breakdown of cartilage, which cushions tissue between bones. This breakdown leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, and a grinding sensation when moving the elbow. The pain may get worse with movement and feel better with rest.

Managing symptoms and preventing further joint damage is the main focus of treatment for osteoarthritis. This may involve pain medication, elbow pain physiotherapy which includes manual therapy, ultrasound therapy, electrotherapy, activity modification, and sometimes injections or surgery in severe cases.

Dislocation or Fracture of the Elbow:

Elbow dislocations and fractures are usually caused by trauma, such as a fall or a direct blow. These injuries result in severe pain, swelling, and an inability to move the elbow. Treatment typically involves realigning the bones, immobilization with a cast or splint, and pain medication. Once your elbow is healed enough to be used, you will require physical therapy for several weeks. It is recommended to get immediate medical attention. Ignoring them can lead to lasting problems like stiffness, pain, and even arthritis.

Diagnosing elbow disorders involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Your healthcare provider may perform specific tests to assess your range of motion, strength, and areas of tenderness. Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury.