The elbow joint is essential for various arm movements, such as bending, extending, and rotating. It’s something we use every day, whether we’re lifting groceries, typing, or playing sports. Just as the ankle joint helps us support our body weight, and helps us walk, run, etc. Even simple tasks become difficult when the elbow joint hurt or ankle pain arises. In this blog, we will discuss the causes of elbow pain, the symptoms of elbow pain, and the best ways to get pain relief.
The Importance of the Elbow Joint
The elbow joint is a complex hinge joint made up of three bones: the upper arm (humerus), forearm (ulna), and radius. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons hold these bones together, so they move smoothly. The design of the joint allows it to move like a hinge (bend and straighten) and rotate (turn the palm up or down). However, this joint is used a lot and is therefore prone to injury and wear, causing pain in elbow joint or discomfort.
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
There are various causes for why your joint might be hurting. Some common causes of elbow pain include:
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis):
Tennis elbow is caused by repetitive stress on the tendons that attach to the outer elbow joint. Athletes, painters, and carpenters who do repetitive arm movements are more likely to be affected by this. Small tendon tears from overuse cause inflammation and elbow pain. - Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis):
Like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow pain originates from the inner elbow joint and causes pain in the wrist. The condition worsens with activities such as gripping or swinging and is a common elbow pain reason for people who do repetitive tasks. - Elbow Bursitis:
Swelling and pain in elbow joint are caused by inflammation of the bursa and small fluid-filled sacs in the elbow joint. This makes it difficult to move the arm. - Fractures or Dislocations:
Falls or sudden impacts can cause fractures or dislocations of this joint, which can be painful, leading to elbow discomfort that requires prompt attention. - Arthritis:
Pain in the elbow, stiffness, and swelling are caused by osteoarthritis (due to joint wear) and rheumatoid arthritis which involves autoimmune attacks on the joint linings.
Research shows that lateral elbow tendinosis (tennis elbow) affects 1% to 3% of adults each year, commonly due to repetitive strain.
Why Your Elbow Joint Hurt: Recognizing Symptoms
Pain in your elbow can range from mild discomfort to severe, sharp pain. Given are some of the symptoms that suggest you have elbow joint pain that needs medical intervention:
- A dull ache that gets worse with movement or pressure.
- Stiffness in the joint, especially after periods of rest.
- Swelling or warmth around the elbow.
- Weakness that makes it difficult to grip or lift objects.
- Pain that is sharp, and occurs during certain movements, such as twisting or lifting.
- If the elbow is paining continuously along with mild to severe discomfort, you should get it checked by a healthcare professional to know the root cause of the issue.
How to Alleviate Elbow Pain?
There are several ways to manage the symptoms associated with elbow pain or elbow discomfort. A simple, but effective way to reduce swelling and numb the pain is to rest the arm and apply ice to the affected area. Take ibuprofen or aspirin, which are some of the widely used over-the-counter medications that can help reduce inflammation and pain in this joint. Remember to speak with a doctor before taking any medication. Another option, particularly for overuse injuries, is physical therapy, which focuses on strengthening the muscles and can also help prevent future injuries. Stabilizing the joint and taking the pressure off the tendons is useful in managing the pain associated with tennis or golfer’s elbow. According to research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery, physical therapy combined with bracing can improve outcomes in patients with tennis elbow. In more severe cases, doctors may recommend corticosteroid injections to lessen inflammation. However, they are temporary and should be combined with other treatments for long-lasting relief.
Conclusion
If your elbow hurts and is hampering the simplest daily activities, you shouldn’t ignore it for too long and seek immediate medical help. To prevent and manage pain in elbow joint, understanding the causes and taking proactive measures can help. The root causes of such pain usually include joint overuse, injury, or an underlying condition such as arthritis, which can be prevented. Don’t dismiss the signals your body is sending you—address elbow discomfort early and do the activities you love doing.