The elbow is a complex joint made up of the humerus, radius, and ulna. These bones are all protected by cartilage and connected together by ligaments. There are also tendons in the elbow that attach muscles such as the triceps and biceps to the joint, and it is these that help power the movement in the elbow joint itself.
As with all joints in the body, things can go wrong, resulting in pain, inflammation, and other elbow disorders such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, arthritis, trapped nerves, and tendonitis. Sprains, breaks, and fractures can occur, too, if the elbow joint suffers trauma.
Symptoms that there are problems within the elbow joint are mostly expressed by pain, and there may also be some visible inflammation in the joint as well. Stiffness and loss of flexibility are other symptoms to look out for too.
All these symptoms may be at their worst whilst attempting to move the joint. Trapped nerves may be accompanied by numbness and pain that radiates across the entire arm. Tingling and general arm weakness can also be an indication of an elbow nerve disorder.
The reasons behind elbow disorders are many and can be caused by repetitive movements such as those used to play golf and tennis. These movements place constant pressure on the joint, and this, in turn, can aggravate the tendons and ligaments, leading to inflammation and injury.
Accidents or bone disorders such as osteoporosis are the main causes of fractures, breaks, and injuries, whilst diseases of the joints, such as arthritis, are the main causes behind long-term chronic elbow joint disorders. Therefore, the main risk factors behind most elbow joint problems are occupation, disease, and accidental trauma.
Diagnosing the causes of elbow pain and other elbow problems starts with a general discussion about the symptoms the patient is experiencing. The next step is a physical examination where the patient may be asked to perform certain arm and hand movements to see which ones cause the most discomfort. This can help locate the exact area of the elbow which is affected. If needed, more tests, such as X-rays, can be performed.
Treatment is highly dependent on the causes of problems within the elbow joint. Physiotherapy can help alleviate stiffness and nerve pain. Injections can reduce inflammation, and painkillers can take the edge off severe pain until an injury or break heals.
If arthritis is the cause of elbow pain, then medication can be used to ease the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
Rest can help alleviate tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, and natural balms and pain-relieving gels can also ease elbow discomfort. Surgery is only used in extreme cases where there is severe damage to the ligaments, cartilage, bones, or tendons.
Prevention is better than treatment, and rest, stretching, and regular physiotherapy can help prevent elbow disorders from developing in high-risk groups. Joint supplements can also help keep joints healthy, making them more resistant to disease and injury.