“There are at least 7 different types of elbow disorders. Overuse & sports injuries are the root cause of many elbow conditions. Golfers, baseball pitchers, tennis players & boxers often have elbow disorders” [1], & whether you are a sports player or not, seeking professional help from a Pain Specialist is essential to ameliorate your condition & stop it from getting worse
What Parts of the Body Are Affected By Elbow Disorders?
These include:
• Elbow ligaments
• Muscles in the arm
• Tendons
• Bones in the arm
• Bursae (small fluid-filled sacs which decrease friction between the moving parts of our joints) [1].
So What are the Different Kinds of Elbow Disorders?
Medial Epicondylitis
This condition (commonly known as golfer’s elbow), affects the elbow’s inner tendons. Well known causes include: the downward swing of a golf club, and the repetitive throwing motion which is akin to baseball. Another cause stems from repetitive hand motion – for example, regularly swinging a hammer. This disorder can generate pain along the inside of the elbow. Moreover, pain can be easily triggered by wrist movements [1].
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
This disorder impacts the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Playing tennis or other types of racquet sports, or working in jobs (for example, as a plumber or carpenter) which necessitates the same type of swinging motion, can be the root cause of this condition. Symptoms such as burning or pain are prevalent along the outside of the elbow. Moreover, sufferers can have difficulty gripping [1].
Olecranon Bursitis (Student’s Elbow)
Olecranon Bursitis impacts the bursae which protect the pointy bone of the elbow. (Bursae are small sacs of fluid which lessen the friction between the moving parts of our body’s joints). Olecranon Bursitis can be caused by: an infection, a blow to the elbow, leaning on the elbow for an extended period of time, and arthritis or other medical conditions. Symptoms include: pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the elbow [1].
Elbow Osteoarthritis (OA)
Elbow osteoarthritis can derive from an injury to the elbow, or wear and tear on the cartilage – a form of connective tissue found in the joints. Symptoms involve: swelling, pain, a locking sensation within the elbow, problems bending the elbow, or fracture or dislocation of the elbow [1].
Ligament Strains & Sprains
Problems can occur in any of the elbow joint’s ligaments. Sprains can be due to repeated stress or trauma. The ligaments my be stretched, completely torn, or partially torn [1].
What Can a Pain Specialist Do to Help Me?
When you book an appointment with an experience Pain Specialist, once he/she has reviewed your medical history, and asked you various questions relating to your elbow pain, then they will conduct an examination. Then, depending on your particular case, the doctor will explain the different treatments options which would be most suitable to ameliorate your elbow pain. He/she will then devise a holistic Personalised Treatment Plan which is likely to comprise multiple types of treatment. This could involve: steroid injections, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and the latest cutting-edge treatments.
References
[1]. Moores, D (2020). “What to Know About Elbow Pain.” Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/elbow-pain
