Common Elbow Injuries
Joint injuries usually occur in the main weight-bearing joints, like the knees, hips, and ankles. But, the elbow is a hinged joint that’s also susceptible to injury. Some of the most common elbow injuries include:
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that affects the elbow. It earned its name because it most often develops in people who play tennis or other racquet sports.
With tennis elbow, the tendons that connect the forearm muscles on the exterior of the elbow become inflamed or torn. This can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling of the elbow.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, causes pain that extends from the inside of the elbow to the wrist. This pain results from damage to the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the bony bump at the inside of the elbow. Similar to tennis elbow, a golfer’s elbow generally causes elbow pain, tenderness, and swelling.
Elbow Bursitis
Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that protect the joints. Bursitis is a common injury that develops when the bursae become inflamed, causing swelling and pain around the joint. Elbow bursitis can result from repetitive elbow motions, trauma to the elbow, remaining in positions that place significant impact on the elbows, or infections.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve, which extends through the cubital tunnel on the inside of the elbow, is inflamed. Pain from this condition may feel like the sensation of hitting your “funny bone”, or:
- Numbness and tingling in the hand or the ring and pinkie finger
- Pain the the hand
- Poor grip strength
- An aching sensation at the inside of the elbow
Regenerative therapies are effective, non-surgical solutions for chronic elbow injuries. Discover regenerative doctors and clinics in your area with Regenerative Medicine Now’s database!
Thanks for explaining how you should consider having your elbow injury treated if you feel immediate pain and numbness. I have a colleague who talked about his plans to try out baseball as a new sport. I should talk to him about finding a sports medicine expert someday when this happens to him.