Doctors Discuss the Most Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Ouch! Although they call it the “funny bone,” elbow pain is no laughing matter. The good news is that many conditions of the elbow can be resolved quickly, through non-surgical interventions.
However, since elbow pain can be the result of a number of conditions, it is best to get it evaluated by a board certified specialist, like Macomb County hand and elbow doctor, Dr. Rehman. In the meantime, our Macomb County doctors have listed some of the most common causes of elbow pain
However, if the point of your elbow is swollen, or if you have radiating pain up your arm, it is important to see a board certified hand and elbow specialist as soon as possible, as this could signal a medical condition requiring urgent attention.
Bursitis of the Elbow
The bursa are fluid-filled sacs located throughout the body, that help surfaces moving in different directions to glide smoothly. Bursa help your elbow bend comfortably, by cushioning the skin from rubbing against the bone.
If you have fallen, you may have injured the bursa, causing elbow pain. Additionally, repeated rubbing of the elbows on a surface can cause the bursa to become inflamed.
Tennis Elbow
Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow may be a result of a condition called “tennis elbow” – even if you don’t play tennis. This medical condition is technically called “lateral epicondylitis” – but “tennis elbow” is easier to say and remember.
In lateral epicondylitis the tendons that join the forearm muscles right near the elbow become inflamed. This is typically the result of a repetitive motion, such as swinging a racquet, or a hammer, or a tennis racquet for extended periods of time. It is also seen in certain manufacturing occupations, where the employee performs a repetitive motion operating machinery over and over.
Tendonitis of the Elbow
Tendonitis of the Elbow is a condition where the tendons in the arm becoming inflamed. Tendons are the fibrous structures that attach muscles to bones, and injury, overuse or certain illnesses or other conditions can cause the inflammation. In this case, you will probably notice pain around the elbow as well as a burning sensation in your arm.
Arthritis of the Elbow
Rheumatoid Arthritis will cause your arm to ache – rather than a sharp pain. Arthritis is characterized by continuing on into the night, or even when you are not actively using your elbow.
The arm and elbow is a common first location for Arthritis to appear. And, Arthritis is best managed if it is treated early, before widespread, long-term damage from the inflammation occurs!So, if you are experiencing a dull ache in your elbow that occurs even when you are not exerting the arm or elbow, see a Macomb County hand and elbow doctor as soon as possible.
If it is arthritis, she can prescribe medications and therapies that can slow or arrest rheumatoid arthritis and its symptoms, before serious joint damage occurs.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
While CTS is actually a condition of the wrist and hand, usually caused by repetitive motions, the pain from this condition can radiate up the arm and into the elbow.
Braces, therapy and exercises and other treatments can help alleviate the pain of carpal tunnel syndrome in your arm, wrist and elbow. In more advanced cases, minimally invasive surgery may be required to “release” the cause of the pain.
Top Macomb County Elbow Doctor
Given the number of conditions that could be causing your elbow pain, it is important to schedule a thorough evaluation with a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon such as Dr. Rehman, in Macomb County. Conditions of the elbow can often be addressed with the systematic application of non-invasive measures that will return you to full functioning.
Doctor Rehman and her team of hand therapists can implement a variety of approaches and modalities to help alleviate pain, build strength and rehabilitate the elbow. She will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.
