Elbow pain can cause acute or chronic pain commonly accompanied by numbness/tingling and burning sensations. While soreness or temporary discomfort are common feelings that occur with elbow pain, chronic, sharp elbow pain should never be ignored. Below, we have listed some of the most common causes of elbow pain.
Fractures and Sprains
Elbow fractures often result from a direct blow to the elbow, a fall, or a twisting injury to the arm. A fall, for example, may cause a person to land directly on their elbow and fracture one or more of the bones in the elbow joint. If the person tried to lessen the trauma of the fall by using their hands, they could have also twisted the arm and caused an elbow sprain.
There are different types of elbow fractures, including:
- Supracondylar: A fracture that is located in the humerus (above the elbow).
- Epicondylar: A fracture located on the inside part of the elbow tip.
- Condylar: The bottom part of the humerus has knobs which are known as condyles. When the bone breaks on the condyles, this is known as a condylar fracture.
- Fracture dislocation: An elbow fracture-dislocation is when one or more bones are broken, and the joint is out of place.
In most cases, it can be fairly easy to recognize if you have an elbow fracture or sprain. Common symptoms include:
- Swelling and bruising around the elbow
- Tenderness to touch
- Sudden intense pain with inability to straighten the elbow
Overuse Injuries
Overuse injuries of the elbow often occur when you strain your elbow by using it too much or repeating a motion that hurts the muscles, joints or bones in the arm. Over time this strain may lead to a condition known as tendinitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the elbow tendons. Common overuse injuries of the elbow include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and baseball injuries.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage surface over the joint is worn out or damaged. Osteoarthritis of the elbow is often the result of the normal wear and tear of the joint cartilage from age and activity.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) happens when the immune system doesn’t work properly and attacks the lining of the joints. Similar to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis causes joint inflammation and pain.
Ease Elbow Pain Today!
Put your pain at ease with Comprehensive Medical Care! When you come to Comprehensive Medical Care, you will get a thorough evaluation and examination by any one of our many excellent medical professionals on staff.
Depending on the findings, you may be required to get additional diagnostic work ups such as MRIs and/or X-rays. It is important to us as your provider, and for you to cover every aspect of your health and know exactly what is going on with your condition.
