Elbow Pain Causes, Treatments, Symptoms, and More Elbow Pain at a Glance How is the elbow designed and what is its function? The elbow is the joint where three long bones meet in the middle portion of the arm. The bone of the upper arm (humerus) meets the inner bone of the forearm (ulna) and the outer bone of the forearm (radius) to form a hinge joint. The radius and ulna also meet in the elbow to allow for rotation of the forearm. The elbow functions to move the arm like a hinge (forward and backward) and in rotation (twisting outward and inward). The biceps muscle is the major muscle that flexes the elbow hinge. The triceps muscle is the major muscle that extends the elbow hinge. The outer bone of the elbow is referred to as the lateral epicondyle and is a part of the humerus bone. Tendons are attached to this area and can be injured, causing inflammation or tendinitis (lateral epicondylitis, or " tennis elbow "). The inner portion of the elbow is a bony prominence called the medial epicondyle.

Additional tendons from the muscles attached here can be injured, causing medial epicondylitis, or "golfer's elbow." A fluid-filled sac (bursa), which serves to reduce friction, overlies the tip of the elbow (olecranon bursa). Bumping the tip of the elbow can irritate this bursa. The elbow can be affected by inflammation of the tendons or the bursae (plural for bursa), or conditions that affect the bones and joints, such as fractures , arthritis , or nerve irritation. What injuries can cause elbow pain? Continued 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 is caused by inflammation of the tendons. Usually, the pain is on the outside of the elbow and might be accompanied by warmth and swelling.

The elbow maintains its full range of motion, as the inner joint is not affected, and the pain is usually more noticeable toward the end of the day. Repeated twisting motions or activities that strain the tendon typically cause more pain. X-rays are usually normal, but can reveal calcium deposits in the tendon or other abnormalities of the elbow joint. The treatment of tennis elbow includes ice packs, resting the involved elbow, aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications like 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. You can gradually resume activity while icing the area to prevent recurring inflammation. Occasionally, supportive straps can prevent reinjury. In severe cases, surgery might be recommended. 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 show calcifications of the tendons if the tendinitis has persisted for long periods of time. The usual treatment involves ice packs, resting the elbow, and medications including aspirin and other NSAIDs , including 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 , you can return to normal activities while continuing to ice the area to prevent recurring inflammation. Olecranon Bursitis Olecranon bursitis (inflammation of the bursa at 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 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. Continued Broken Elbow 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. Elbow 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 anti-inflammation drugs. What are diseases and conditions that can cause elbow pain, and how are they treated?

Arthritis of the Elbow Inflammation of the elbow joint ( arthritis ) can occur as a result of many systemic forms of arthritis , including rheumatoid arthritis , gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis , ankylosing spondylitis , and reactive arthritis (formerly called Reiter's disease). Generally, they are associated with signs of inflammation of the elbow joint, including heat, warmth, swelling, pain, tenderness, and decreased range of motion. Range of motion of the elbow is decreased with arthritis of the elbow, because the swollen joint impedes the range of motion. Cellulitis Inflammation of the skin related to infection ( cellulitis ) commonly occurs as a result of abrasions of the skin. When abrasions or puncture wounds occur, bacteria on the surface of the skin can invade the deeper layers. This causes inflamed skin characterized by heat, redness, warmth, and swelling. The most common bacteria that cause cellulitis include Staphylococcus and Streptococcus . Patients can have an associated low-grade fever. Cellulitis requires antibiotic treatment, either orally or intravenously.

Cellulitis can lead to infection of the olecranon bursa, causing olecranon bursitis, as described above. Infected Elbow Joint (Septic Arthritis) Infection of the elbow joint with bacteria ( septic arthritis ) is uncommon. It is most often seen in patients with suppressed immune systems or diabetes , those taking cortisone medications, or intravenous drug abusers. The most common bacteria that cause infection of the elbow joint are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Septic arthritis of the elbow requires antibiotic treatment and often surgical drainage. It is characterized by heat, swelling, warmth, redness, and pain, with limited range of motion of the elbow joint. Septic arthritis is often associated with fever, sweats, and chills. Continued Tumors Bone tumors of the elbow joint are rare. Primary bone cancer can occur. It can be painless or associated with pain in the elbow joint. It is usually detectable by X-ray testing. Nuclear medicine bone scanning can also be helpful for detection. Ulnar Nerve Entrapment The ulnar nerve is the "funny bone" nerve which travels between the tip of the elbow and the inner elbow bone.

At this site, the nerve can be "pinched" by normal structures or swollen structures after injury. This pinching is referred to as entrapment. When ulnar nerve entrapment occurs, numbness and tingling of the little and ring finger of the hand may be felt. Pain may occur in the entire forearm, usually the inner side. Hand dexterity can be affected. Sometimes, the numbness is reproduced by elevating the hand. Treatment consists of avoiding repeated trauma or pressure to the elbow area and resting the elbow joint. Splints to limit bending the elbow can be used at night. Occasionally, ice can help. In severe cases, surgical repositioning of the ulnar nerve can be required. This relocates the ulnar nerve to a position where it will not be continually compressed by the surrounding structures. Elbow Pain at a Glance The elbow joint is the area where three long bones come together. Tendinitis can affect the inner or outer elbow. Treatment of tendinitis includes ice, rest, and medications for inflammation. Bacteria can infect the skin of the scraped (abraded) elbow.

The "funny bone" nerve can be irritated at the elbow to cause numbness and tingling of the little and ring fingers. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian on February 02, 2016 Sources Elbow Joint - Anatomy Pictures and Information Home > Skeletal System > Bones of the Arm and Hand > Elbow Joint Elbow Joint The elbow joint is a complex hinge joint formed between the distal end of the humerus in the upper arm and the proximal ends of the ulna and radius in the forearm. The elbow allows for the flexion and extension of the forearm relative to the upper arm, as well as rotation of the forearm and wrist. The rounded distal end of the humerus is divided into two joint processes – the trochlea on the medial side and the capitulum on the lateral side. The pulley-shaped trochlea forms a tight joint with the trochlear notch of the ulna surrounding it.... Move up/down/left/right: Click compass arrows Rotate image: Click and drag in any direction, anywhere in the frame Identify objects: Click on them in the image Elbow Joint, Posterior (Back) Full Elbow Joint Description [Continued from above] . . .

On the lateral side, the concave end of the head of the radius meets the rounded, convex capitulum to complete the elbow joint. The loose union of the capitulum of the humerus and the head of the radius allows the radius to pivot as well as flex and extend. The pivoting of the radius allows for the supination and pronation of the hand at the wrist. Like all other synovial joints, a thin layer of smooth articular cartilage covers the ends of the bones that form the elbow joint. The joint capsule of the elbow surrounds the joint to provide strength and lubrication to the elbow. Slick synovial fluid produced by the synovial membrane of the joint capsule fills the hollow space between the bones and lubricates the joint to reduce friction and wear. An extensive network of ligaments surrounding the joint capsule helps the elbow joint maintain its stability and resist mechanical stresses. The radial and ulnar collateral ligaments connect and maintain the position of the radius and ulna relative to the epicondyles of the humerus. The annular ligament of the elbow extends from the ulna around the head of the radius to hold the bones of the lower arm together.

These ligaments allow for movement and stretching of the elbow while resisting dislocation of the bones. Being a hinge joint, the only movements allowed by the elbow are flexion and extension of the joint and rotation of the radius. The range of motion of the elbow is limited by the olecranon of the ulna, so that the elbow can only extend to around 180 degrees. Flexion of the elbow is limited only by the compression soft tissues surrounding the joint. Because so many muscles originate or insert near the elbow, it is a common site for injury. One common injury is lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, which is an inflammation surrounding the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Six muscles that control backward movement (extension) of the hand and fingers originate on the lateral epicondyle. Repeated strenuous striking while the muscles are contracted and against force – such as that occurring with the backhand stroke in tennis – causes strain on the tendinous muscle attachments and can produce pain around the epicondyle. Rest for these muscles will usually bring about recovery.

Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor Sports injuries - Examples - NHS Choices Sports injuries - Examples Sports-injuries Treatment Examples of sports injuries Sport injuries can affect almost any part of the body, including the muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues (tendons and ligaments). Sprains and strains are the most common type of sports injury. A sprain happens when one or more of the ligaments are stretched, twisted or torn. A muscle strain ("pulling a muscle") happens when muscle tissues or fibres are stretched or torn. Signs of a sprain or strain can include pain, swelling, bruising and tenderness around a joint or in a muscle. You may also find it difficult to move the affected body part. Other sports injuries include: Click on the links below to find out how these conditions are treated, or see the page on treating sports injuries for more general information. Back pain Many sports carry a risk of causing back pain , which is usually caused by a sprain or strain in the back. Properly warming up before exercise can reduce this risk.

Back pain is often felt as soreness, tension or stiffness in the lower back, but it can be felt anywhere from the neck and shoulders down to the buttocks and legs. Bone injuries Repetitive activity or a heavy impact while playing sport can injure bones, causing: stress fractures – bone pain caused by a tiny crack that develops in a bone as a result of repeated stresses (for example, during high-impact activities like distance running) shin splints – painful shins caused by inflammation in the tissues surrounding the shin bone; this is common in any sport that involves running a broken finger A broken bone may cause swelling, significant bruising and tenderness around the injured area, and bleeding if the bone has broken the skin (open fracture). It's unlikely you will be able to use the affected limb. The pain associated with a broken bone can also be severe and make you feel faint, dizzy and sick. If any part of your body looks deformed, including your fingers, you may have broken a bone and you need to go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department. Read information on how to tell if you have broken a bone .

Hamstring injuries Hamstring injuries are tears to the tendons or large muscles at the back of the thighs. They are common among athletes. Sudden lunging, running or jumping can cause the hamstring tendons or muscles to tear, which can be felt or heard as a pop and will be immediately painful. The muscle will spasm (seize up) and feel tight and tender. In some cases, there may also be swelling and bruising. Head injuries Minor head injuries , such as bumps or bruises, are common and not usually serious. If you have any concerns, see your GP or local walk-in centre. You should go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or call 999 and ask for an ambulance if any symptoms of a severe head injury develop, such as: unconsciousness, even if it was only very brief difficulty staying awake or still being sleepy several hours after the injury a seizure or fit (when your body suddenly moves uncontrollably) difficulty speaking, such as slurred speech Read more about the signs of a severe head injury . Heel pain Heel pain can happen when the thick band of tissue that runs under the sole of the foot becomes damaged. It's common in runners and joggers.

It can cause a sharp and often severe pain when you place weight on your heel. In most cases, only one heel is affected, although some people have pain in both heels. Heel pain and stiffness can also sometimes be caused by damage to the Achilles tendon, which runs up the back of the heel. This damage can occur gradually over a long period of time, or the tendon can snap (rupture) suddenly. If you experience sudden and severe pain in your heel, which may be accompanied by a "popping" or "snapping" sound, you may have ruptured your Achilles tendon and should seek medical advice immediately. Inflamed joints Joint inflammation can be caused by conditions that affect the joints and tendons, such as: bursitis – inflammation of a bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac underneath the skin, usually found over the joints and between tendons and bones; this is common in the knee, hip and elbow tendonitis – inflammation of a tendon around the shoulder, elbow, wrist, finger, thigh, knee or back of the heel Tennis elbow is a type of tendonitis that affects the outside of the elbow, caused by repetitive movement of the muscles in the lower arm.

Golfer’s elbow is similar, but the swelling occurs on the inside of the elbow. Knee pain Sudden knee pain is common in contact sports, especially those that involve twisting, and is usually caused by a sprain, strain or tendonitis. Other knee injuries include: Runner’s knee – caused by overuse of the knee. Symptoms include soreness and discomfort beneath or to one side of your kneecap. It can also cause a grating sensation in your knee. Cartilage damage – where a piece of cartilage breaks off and affects the movement of your joint. This can cause a feeling of the joint locking or catching. Sometimes, the joint may also give way. A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) – see below. Knee ligament damage The ACL is one of four ligaments in your knee. It can tear if you suddenly stop or change direction, or if you land badly from a jump. If you tear your ACL, you may hear a pop or crack at the time of your injury.

Other symptoms of a torn ACL include: severe pain in your knee instability in your knee, which means you cannot put much weight on it – especially when going up or down stairs swelling in your knee not having the full range of movement in your knee and, in particular, not being able to straighten your leg completely Shoulder pain Shoulder pain is common in sports that include repetitive movement, such as overarm bowling or throwing. Tendons around the shoulder (the rotor cuff) can become inflamed (tendonitis) or torn, causing pain. A dislocated shoulder may be caused by a heavy fall or a sudden impact. The upper arm painfully "pops" out of the shoulder joint and you will not be able to move the arm. If you have a dislocated shoulder, you should go to the A&E department of your nearest hospital. It may help to support the arm with a sling while you make your way there. Skin injuries Rubbing or chafing of skin can be caused by poorly fitting shoes or clothes. Making sure you wear proper sports gear will help to prevent this. If you have a severe skin injury, such as a deep, open wound in the skin, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Treatment may be needed to stop the bleeding, and stitches may be required. Page last reviewed: 25/02/2015 Elbow Injuries | Elbow Disorders | MedlinePlus Patient Handouts Summary Your elbow joint is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and fluid. Muscles and tendons help the elbow joint move. When any of these structures is hurt or diseased, you have elbow problems. Many things can make your elbow hurt. A common cause is tendinitis , an inflammation or injury to the tendons that attach muscle to bone. Tendinitis of the elbow is a sports injury , often from playing tennis or golf. You may also get tendinitis from overuse of the elbow. Other causes of elbow pain include sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, bursitis and arthritis . Treatment depends on the cause.

Start Here Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)-OrthoInfo - AAOS Copyright 2015 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) This article is also available in Spanish: Codo de tenista (epicondilitis lateral) (Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)) Codo de tenista (epicondilitis lateral) (Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)) (topic.cfm?topic=A00765). Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. Not surprisingly, playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause this condition. However, several other sports and activities can also put you at risk. Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse — repeating the same motions again and again. This leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. There are many treatment options for tennis elbow. In most cases, treatment involves a team approach.

Primary doctors, physical therapists, and, in some cases, surgeons work together to provide the most effective care. Anatomy Your elbow joint is a joint made up of three bones: your upper arm bone (humerus) and the two bones in your forearm (radius and ulna). There are bony bumps at the bottom of the humerus called epicondyles. The bony bump on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow is called the lateral epicondyle. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons hold the elbow joint together. Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, involves the muscles and tendons of your forearm. Your forearm muscles extend your wrist and fingers. Your forearm tendons — often called extensors — attach the muscles to bone. They attach on the lateral epicondyle. The tendon usually involved in tennis elbow is called the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB). The ECRB muscle and tendon is usually involved in tennis elbow. Reproduced and modified from The Body Almanac. © American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2003. Cause Overuse Recent studies show that tennis elbow is often due to damage to a specific forearm muscle.

The extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle helps stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight. This occurs during a tennis groundstroke, for example. When the ECRB is weakened from overuse, microscopic tears form in the tendon where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle. This leads to inflammation and pain. The ECRB may also be at increased risk for damage because of its position. As the elbow bends and straightens, the muscle rubs against bony bumps. This can cause gradual wear and tear of the muscle over time. Activities Courtesy Thinkstock © 2015. Athletes are not the only people who get tennis elbow. Many people with tennis elbow participate in work or recreational activities that require repetitive and vigorous use of the forearm muscle. Painters, plumbers, and carpenters are particularly prone to developing tennis elbow. Studies have shown that auto workers, cooks, and even butchers get tennis elbow more often than the rest of the population. It is thought that the repetition and weight lifting required in these occupations leads to injury. Age Most people who get tennis elbow are between the ages of 30 and 50, although anyone can get tennis elbow if they have the risk factors.

In racquet sports like tennis, improper stroke technique and improper equipment may be risk factors. Unknown Lateral epicondylitis can occur without any recognized repetitive injury. This occurence is called "insidious" or of an unknown cause. Symptoms Location of pain in lateral epicondylitis. Reproduced from Griffen L (ed): Essentials of Musculoskeletal Care, Third Edition. © American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2005. The symptoms of tennis elbow develop gradually. In most cases, the pain begins as mild and slowly worsens over weeks and months. There is usually no specific injury associated with the start of symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of tennis elbow include: Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow Weak grip strength The symptoms are often worsened with forearm activity, such as holding a racquet, turning a wrench, or shaking hands. Your dominant arm is most often affected; however both arms can be affected. Top of page Doctor Examination Your doctor will consider many factors in making a diagnosis. These include how your symptoms developed, any occupational risk factors, and recreational sports participation. Your doctor will talk to you about what activities cause symptoms and where on your arm the symptoms occur.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever injured your elbow. If you have a history of rheumatoid arthritis or nerve disease, tell your doctor. During the examination, your doctor will use a variety of tests to pinpoint the diagnosis. For example, your doctor may ask you to try to straighten your wrist and fingers against resistance with your arm fully straight to see if this causes pain. If the tests are positive, it tells your doctor that those muscles may not be healthy. Tests Your doctor may recommend additional tests to rule out other causes of your problem. X-rays. These tests provide clear images of dense structures like bone. They may be taken to rule out arthritis of the elbow. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. If your doctor thinks your symptoms are related to a neck problem, an MRI scan may be ordered. MRIs scans show details of soft tissues, and will help your doctor see if you have a possible herniated disk or arthritis in your neck. Both of these conditions often produce arm pain. Electromyography (EMG). Your doctor may order an EMG to rule out nerve compression. Many nerves travel around the elbow, and the symptoms of nerve compression are similar to those of tennis elbow.

Wrist stretching exercise with elbow extended. Approximately 80% to 95% of patients have success with nonsurgical treatment. Rest. The first step toward recovery is to give your arm proper rest. This means that you will have to stop participation in sports or heavy work activities for several weeks. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. Drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling. Equipment check. If you participate in a racquet sport, your doctor may encourage you to have your equipment checked for proper fit. Stiffer racquets and looser-strung racquets often can reduce the stress on the forearm, which means that the forearm muscles do not have to work as hard. If you use an oversized racquet, changing to a smaller head may help prevent symptoms from recurring. Physical therapy. Specific exercises are helpful for strengthening the muscles of the forearm. Your therapist may also perform ultrasound, ice massage, or muscle-stimulating techniques to improve muscle healing. Counterforce brace. Brace. Using a brace centered over the back of your forearm may also help relieve symptoms of tennis elbow. This can reduce symptoms by resting the muscles and tendons. Steroid injections.

Steroids, such as cortisone, are very effective anti-inflammatory medicines. Your doctor may decide to inject your damaged muscle with a steroid to relieve your symptoms. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Shock wave therapy sends sound waves to the elbow. These sound waves create "microtrauma" that promote the body's natural healing processes. Shock wave therapy is considered experimental by many doctors, but some sources show it can be effective. Surgical Treatment If your symptoms do not respond after 6 to 12 months of nonsurgical treatments, your doctor may recommend surgery. Most surgical procedures for tennis elbow involve removing diseased muscle and reattaching healthy muscle back to bone. The right surgical approach for you will depend on a range of factors. These include the scope of your injury, your general health, and your personal needs. Talk with your doctor about the options. Discuss the results your doctor has had, and any risks associated with each procedure. Open surgery. The most common approach to tennis elbow repair is open surgery. This involves making an incision over the elbow. Open surgery is usually performed as an outpatient surgery. It rarely requires an overnight stay at the hospital. Arthroscopic surgery.

Tennis elbow can also be repaired using miniature instruments and small incisions. Like open surgery, this is a same-day or outpatient procedure. Surgical risks. As with any surgery, there are risks with tennis elbow surgery. The most common things to consider include: Infection Nerve and blood vessel damage Possible prolonged rehabilitation Loss of flexibility The need for further surgery Rehabilitation. Following surgery, your arm may be immobilized temporarily with a splint. About 1 week later, the sutures and splint are removed. After the splint is removed, exercises are started to stretch the elbow and restore flexibility. Light, gradual strengthening exercises are started about 2 months after surgery. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to athletic activity. This is usually 4 to 6 months after surgery. Tennis elbow surgery is considered successful in 80% to 90% of patients. However, it is not uncommon to see a loss of strength. An injection of PRP is used to treat tennis elbow. Courtesy of Allan K. Mishra, MD, Menlo Park, CA. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is currently being investigated for its effectiveness in speeding the healing of a variety of tendon injuries.

PRP is a preparation developed from a patient's own blood. It contains a high concentration of proteins called growth factors that are very important in the healing of injuries. Current research on PRP and lateral epicondylitis is very promising. A few treatment centers across the country are incorporating PRP injections into the nonsurgical treatment regimen for lateral epicondylitis. However, this method is still under investigation and more research is necessary to fully prove PRP's effectiveness. Top of page Last reviewed: July 2015 AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS "Find an Orthopaedist" program on this website. Copyright 2015 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Related Articles Tennis elbow - NHS Choices Tennis elbow Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. It's clinically known as lateral epicondylitis.

It often occurs after strenuous overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, near the elbow joint. You may notice pain: on the outside of your upper forearm, just below the bend of your elbow when lifting or bending your arm when gripping small objects, such as a pen when twisting your forearm, such as turning a door handle or opening a jar You may also find it difficult to fully extend your arm. Read more about the symptoms of tennis elbow . What causes tennis elbow? The elbow joint is surrounded by muscles that move your elbow, wrist and fingers. The tendons in your elbow join the bones and muscles together, and control the muscles of your forearm. Tennis elbow is usually caused by overusing the muscles attached to your elbow and used to straighten your wrist. If the muscles and tendons are strained, tiny tears and inflammation can develop near the bony lump (the lateral epicondyle) on the outside of your elbow. As the name suggests, tennis elbow is sometimes caused by playing tennis. However, it is often caused by other activities that place repeated stress on the elbow joint, such as decorating or playing the violin. Pain that occurs on the inner side of the elbow is often known as golfer's elbow.

Read more about the causes of tennis elbow . When to see your GP If your elbow pain is caused by a strenuous or repetitive activity, you should avoid the activity until your symptoms improve. Visit your GP if the pain in your elbow persists, despite resting it for a few days. They will check for swelling and tenderness, and carry out some simple tests, such as asking you to extend your fingers and flex your wrist with your elbow extended. Further tests, such as an ultrasound scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan will only be needed if it is thought that your pain is being caused by nerve damage. Treating tennis elbow Tennis elbow is a self-limiting condition, which means it will eventually get better without treatment. However, there are treatments that can be used to improve your symptoms and speed up your recovery. It's important that you rest your injured arm and stop doing the activity that's causing the problem. Holding a cold compress, such as a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel, against your elbow for a few minutes several times a day can help ease the pain. Taking painkillers, such as paracetamol , may help reduce mild pain caused by tennis elbow.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) , such as ibuprofen , can also be used to help reduce inflammation. Physiotherapy may be recommended in more severe and persistent cases. Massaging and manipulating the affected area may help relieve the pain and stiffness, and improve the range of movement in your arm. Surgery may be used as a last resort to remove the damaged part of the tendon. Most cases of tennis elbow last between six months and two years. However, in about nine out of 10 cases, a full recovery is made within a year. Read more about how tennis elbow is treated . Preventing tennis elbow It's not always easy to avoid getting tennis elbow, although not putting too much stress on the muscles and tendons surrounding your elbow will help prevent the condition getting worse. If your tennis elbow is caused by an activity that involves placing repeated strain on your elbow joint, such as tennis, changing your technique may alleviate the problem. Read more advice about preventing tennis elbow . Tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow Who is affected by tennis elbow? Tennis elbow is a common musculoskeletal condition. It's estimated that as many as one in three people have tennis elbow at any given time.

Each year in the UK, about five in every 1,000 people go to see their GP about tennis elbow. The condition usually affects adults and is more common in people who are 40-60 years of age. Men and women are equally affected. Information About Sports Injuries and Treatment Information About Sports Injuries and Treatment Search the site By Jonathan Cluett, MD - Reviewed by a board-certified physician. Updated July 27, 2016 Whether you are an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, if you are a sports junkie, you've probably faced injury at some point in your athletic career. Some sports problems are acute injuries , the result of a sudden event that cause very noticeable symptoms. Others are chronic, overuse conditions that may have more subtle signs. Common Signs of Sports Injuries Pain: Tenderness of a joint can help indicate the source of pain after an injury. Aspects of pain including the location of tenderness, the depth of pain, and the type of pain experienced can help your doctor determine the possible cause of your pain and injury. In the very early stages after injury, you may not notice swelling or any restriction in your ability to move.

Tenderness when pressure is applied, however, can be an important indicator that a serious injury has occurred. Sports Hernia: What You Should Know About This Common Injury Swelling: Swelling is a sign of inflammation— your body's effort to respond to injury and initiate the healing response of the immune system. While swelling is not necessarily a bad thing, it can cause discomfort. There are a few types of swelling, which can tip your doctor off as to what injury you may have: Effusion : Swelling within a joint Edema: Swelling in the soft tissues Hematoma : Swelling due to bleeding into the soft tissue Limiting swelling allows your body to progress healing to the next stages of the response to injury. Stiffness: The ability to move is a good sign of the severity of injury of a joint. While pain can be difficult to quantify, the mobility of a joint, or lack of, is typically very clear. It is easy to compare the mobility of the uninjured extremity to the joint of concern. Joints that lack full mobility should generally be rested until motion is restored before resuming sports activity. Instability: An unstable joint feels loose or like it wants to buckle or give out.

This is often a sign of a ligament injury, as the injured joint is not adequately supported after it has been damaged. This is a common sign of an ACL tear in the knee. Less Common Signs of Sports Injuries Weakness: Pain that limits the strength of the injured area can be due to weakness. However, weakness can also signify structural damage to a muscle or tendon that prevents the normal function of the extremity. Inability to lift your arm or walk because of weakness should be evaluated by a medical professional. Numbness and Tingling: Numbness or tingling is a sign of nerve irritation or injury. Sometimes nerves are directly damaged, other times a nerve can be irritated by surrounding swelling or inflammation. What Happens with a Pec Rupture? Mild tingling is probably not a major problem, whereas inability to feel an injured body part is more of a concern. Redness: Redness can be a sign of inflammation. Redness can occur as the result of an abrasion, inflammation, allergy, or infection. Just because your skin is red does not necessarily mean an infection is present, but this can be a sign of one. If you have unexplained skin redness, you should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Top Sports Injuries By Joint Shoulder : The most common shoulder problem is either inflammation or tearing of the rotator cuff . However, other conditions such as a frozen shoulder or labral tear can mimic symptoms of an injured rotator cuff and need to be considered as possible diagnoses. Elbow : Tendon problems around the elbow, including lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow), are the most common sports-related problems of the elbow joint. Wrist : Wrist fractures are among the most common broken bones in athletes. Landing from a fall onto an outstretched arm, for example, can lead to a wrist fracture that requires treatment. Finger : Jammed fingers can describe many types of sports-related finger injuries. Dislocations of finger joints and finger swelling are common, especially in ball sports like basketball and soccer. Spine: Low-back muscle strains are by far the most common spinal injuries in athletes (or non-athletes). The pain is often deep and severe, leading those affected to worry that a more serious structural problem may have occurred. While such less common spine problems should be considered, lumbar strains are by far the most common of them.

Hip : Groin strains have always been a common hip pain diagnosis. Many hip problems once attributed to a muscle strain, such as FAI and labral tears , are becoming better understood, but groin strain injuries are still the most common. Knee : Anterior knee pain, also called patellofemoral pain syndrome , is a cartilage irritation on the underside of the kneecap that causes pain and grinding around it. 11 Injuries That Occur In Football Players Therapeutic exercises are almost always used as treatment. Ankle : Ankle sprains are by far the most common injury of the ankle joint. Once an ankle sprain has occurred, repeat injuries can be common. Proper rehab after these injuries can help prevent reinjuring the ankle joint. Foot : Plantar fasciitis involves irritation of the thick, tough tissue that creates the arch of the foot. This plantar fascia tissue can become contracted and painful, leading to difficulty stepping on the heel of the foot. Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, common in plantar fasciitis. When to See Your Doctor Sports injuries are common, and seeing a doctor for every ache and pain is not realistic for most athletes.

That said, there are some signs you should seek medical attention. Foremost, if there is a condition that is not improving with simple treatment steps, or if it is worsening despite your efforts, you should be seen by a trained professional. Second, many athletic injuries are treated by non-physician professionals, many of whom are well-trained to manage these injuries. Athletic trainers and physical therapists are among those who commonly diagnose and treat injured athletes. Some signs that you should be seen by a medical professional include: Difficulty using the injured extremity (walking, lifting your arm, etc.) Inability to place weight on the extremity Limited mobility of a joint Deformity of the injured area Bleeding or skin injury Developing signs of infection (fevers, chills, sweats) Treatment for Sports Injuries Proper treatment of any injury requires an understanding of the cause of the problem; if there is any question of the underlying diagnosis, then you should seek medical attention. In a sports setting, this may be a physician, but it may also be an athletic trainer or physical therapist. When a sports injury occurs, you should cease training and competing to allow for injury evaluation and to develop a treatment plan.

Some sports injuries can be managed with a plan to return to immediate activity, while most require a period of rest and inactivity. In general, efforts are aimed to control inflammation and progress the healing response. The acronym R.I.C.E. is a helpful guide for immediate treatment of most acute injuries. When performing R.I.C.E. treatment, you will take the following steps: Rest: Limit the forces acting on the injured part of the body. This generally means stopping your sport activity, and it may mean using crutches, a sling, or other aid to fully rest the area. Ice: Ice is helpful at controlling swelling and inflammation, and it can also help tremendously with pain reduction. Many athletes who ice an acute injury find they don't need pain pills to help alleviate discomfort. Compress: Compression is performed by snugly, but not tightly, wrapping the injured part of the body with a compression bandage. Too-tight constriction can cause worsening of your symptoms and other problems. Elevate: Elevating the injured extremity can also help reduce swelling and inflammation and, in turn, reduce pain. A Word From Verywell Taking a break from your regular (and perhaps beloved) activity can be tough to swallow.

But remember: Letting a sports injury go untreated could potentially sideline you for far longer, or even prevent you from returning to your sport altogether. Listen to your body and seek help when you think you need it. Once you have started the R.I.C.E. steps, a more specific treatment plan can be developed. This is where your specific injury will be addressed, and an individualized treatment plan can be developed. Source:

Question: The popular name for a type of inflamed elbow joint is associated with which sport?
Answer: Tennis