Elbow Pain - 6 Common Causes Of It!

Elbow pain may be caused due to a variety of reasons from injuries to fractures and ligament pulls or tears. This is most commonly experienced by people who are into sports that require intense arm movements.

So, let us look at the six most common reasons behind elbow pain:

1. Medial Epicondylitis: This condition also known as 'golfer's elbow' creates pain in the inner side of elbow . It basically occurs due to the constant swinging and throwing motion or due to a strong jerk while lifting weights. Pain is usually during gripping activities and lifting heavy weights. Treatment is usually, rest to the elbow and guided rehab.
2. Lateral Epicondylitis: This condition is commonly known as 'tennis elbow' and causes pain on outside bony prominence of elbow. This is caused due to swinging, hitting, hammering and punching motions that are repeated too often. It is commonly experienced by cooks, artists, carpenters, automobile workers, and plumbers and people who use heavy tools. Twisting actions, lifting heavy weights should be avoided. Treatment is usually, rest to the elbow and guided rehab.
3. Olecranon Bursitis: This condition is also known as 'student's elbow' and usually occurs due to constantly resting the elbow on hard surfaces while writing or listening during office activities. The symptoms include swelling and pain on the back of the elbow. There is also risk of infection and redness in this condition. Treatment includes avoiding resting elbow on the hard surfaces.
4. Osteoarthritis: This condition causes wear and tear of the joints and bones which leads to pain in the various areas including the elbow. Pain is around the elbow with all movements in elbow. Pain is persistent and may increase and decrease in frequency with time. Medication and physiotherapy are good measures for treatment.
5. Fracture: Sometimes, dislocation or fracture may lead to pain in the outstretched arm or elbow. Dislocation may take place when a bone moves from its aligned spot. The symptoms will include obvious swelling and acute pain in the elbow. Usually they result after an accident or fall or a violent jerk to the elbow.
6. Ligament Damage: Strains and sprains in the ligaments within the elbow joint can occur after any injury to the elbow. Usually x-rays in these patients are normal and patients complain of persistent pain and weakness of the elbow.

To find out which reason may be the culprit behind your elbow pain, you will need to see an orthopaedic specialist who will run you through a series of tests and examinations including X rays, MRI scans and others in order to ascertain the cause and treatment.