Most elbow pain has a very simple cause and clears up within a few days. The pain usually comes from strained or inflamed soft tissues such as tendons. You can normally treat this pain yourself with over-the-counter painkillers and a few days’ rest, and you may not need to see your doctor.
It’s important not to rest for too long as lack of movement causes your joint to stiffen and the muscles around your elbow to weaken, which increases the chance that you’ll have further symptoms. Simple exercises can help to reduce the risk of future problems. Long-term elbow pain can be caused by arthritis.
How does the elbow work?
The elbow joint is where the long bone at the top of your arm, known as the humerus, meets the two bones in your forearm – called the radius and the ulna. It’s a hinge joint, and it allows you to bend your arm. The upper part of the radius can rotate so you can twist your forearm.
The end of the humerus has two bony parts that you can feel at either side of your elbow. These are:
- the lateral epicondyle on the outside of your arm
- the medial epicondyle on the inside of your arm.
Causes
- Most cases of elbow pain are due to strained or inflamed soft tissues such as tendons or ligaments.
- These tend to get better after a few days with simple self-care you can do at home.
- Sometimes elbow pain may be caused by a medical condition.
- A number of things can cause stiffness in your elbow, including arthritis. Arthritis simply means a joint that is painful and swollen, and there are a number of types of arthritis.
- Stiffness can happen due to problems with the elbow joint itself or with the muscles, covering of the joint, or ligaments.
- In some situations, such as after an injury or operation, soft tissue can form scar tissue. This can cause elbow stiffness.
- Occasionally, the elbow may lock in a fixed position. This is often short-lived but may be due to a loose bit of bone or cartilage in the joint. The loose fragments may need to be washed out in surgery.
If you feel like you are having pain in the elbow, you can consult with Dr.Vikram Rajguru at the Prolotherapy Clinic. He is the elbow specialist in Pune who has treated many patients with elbow pain and is known for pain management.
