Elbow pain can be a symptom of several different disorders. It is often experienced as a result of sports injuries and overuse, which is why many tennis players, baseball pitchers, and golfers report elbow disorders. Elbow pain may involve the elbow ligaments, arm muscles, tendons, bursae, and the bones in the arm.
The recommended treatment option for an elbow disorder will typically depend on the underlying issue that is causing the pain. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the most common types of elbow disorders and the available treatment options. Let’s get started.
Common Types of Elbow Pain
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral elbow tendinopathy, affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. This type of outside elbow pain commonly affects people who constantly perform the same sort of motion over and over again. For instance, cooks, carpenters, painters, plumbers, and—yes—tennis players.
Elbow disorders often follow a theme and the next type we will highlight is commonly known as golfer’s elbow (or medial epicondylitis). This disorder results in inner elbow pain as it affects the inner tendons of the elbow. Swinging a golf club or a hammer can trigger pain here, as can wrist movements.
Olecranon bursitis has a number of common names, including student’s elbow and miner’s elbow. This elbow disorder affects the bursae, the sacs of fluid that protect joints. Causes of this disorder include infection, leaning on the elbow for long periods of time, and a blow to the elbow.
Other causes of elbow pain can include elbow osteoarthritis, ligaments strains and sprains, dislocation of the elbow, and osteochondritis dissecans. Speak to your doctor if you are unsure about the cause of your elbow pain.
Common Treatments of Elbow Pain
As noted above, the exact treatment for elbow pain will depend on the disorder that causes the pain. The main treatment options include:
- Rest
- Ice
- Physical therapy
- Stem cell therapy
- Immobilization or braces
- Elbow padding
- Steroid injections
Surgery is often seen as a last resort when it comes to elbow pain. Stem cell therapy, in particular, is an excellent treatment alternative to surgery.
As noted, elbow disorders are often the result of injury and overuse. You can prevent elbow pain by taking frequent breaks during repetitive tasks and using correct techniques, whether while working or playing sport.
Common Injuries and Treatments for Elbow Pain
An elbow disorder can restrict a person from performing everyday tasks without experiencing pain. We recommend that you speak to a doctor and seek a diagnosis for your pain.
Your doctor will likely recommend you a treatment route and may refer you to a specialist. Ignoring elbow pain can have a major impact on quality of life, particularly if you are a keen athlete.
Like this blog post on elbow pain? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
