What Causes Elbow Pain?

The elbow joint, responsible for the movements of the forearm, is a very important joint that determines the position of the hand in relation to the body. This joint, located at the connection point of the bones forming the arm, contains many muscles and tendons. Elbow pain occurring in this joint can reduce the quality of life by preventing the individual from performing even the simplest daily movements. Generally, it manifests as pain that prevents the hand from grasping and lifting any object, particularly pain in the outer side of the elbow.

Causes of Elbow Pain

Tendon inflammations and bursitis
Tennis elbow, commonly seen in tennis players, arises due to repetitive strenuous movements, resulting in weakness in the hand and pain in the elbow.
Golf elbow, named for its frequent occurrence in golfers, causes pain and tenderness in the bump on the inner side of the elbow. Infections and small tears can occur in tendons. Elbow pain intensifies, especially when the hand is clenched into a fist.
Soft tissue injuries
Herniated discs
Nerve compression
Osteoarthritis
Inflammatory rheumatism diseases
Dislocations or fractures of the elbow resulting from trauma, such as falls or collisions
A variety of diagnostic methods are applied to identify the causes of elbow pain. Procedures such as elbow X-rays, Electromyography (EMG), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) help determine the cause of the condition.

How to Relieve Elbow Pain

The treatment of elbow pain involves necessary examinations conducted by a specialist doctor, who then determines the treatment method. Generally, successful treatment methods can be applied without the need for surgical intervention in a significant number of patients. For acute elbow pain that appears suddenly, it is recommended to avoid movements that strain the elbow and to rest. To eliminate swelling accompanying the pain in the elbow joint, ice application is performed due to its edema-reducing properties. Devices such as a sling or splint for the elbow are also used. However, it is essential that these applications are carried out under medical supervision. Prolonged immobility of the elbow can lead to stiffness. In cases of infections in the elbow joint, ozone therapy, which increases blood circulation, may be suggested. For elbow pain that does not subside despite rest, physical therapy and the ESWT method, which focuses high-intensity sound waves on the elbow joint, are commonly used treatments. Cortisone therapy, which must be conducted by an orthopedic specialist, and sodium hyaluronate injection therapy, known colloquially as rooster comb treatment, especially for osteoarthritis, can also alleviate elbow pain. If these treatments have no effect on elbow pain, surgical methods such as elbow arthroscopy or open elbow surgery may be applied. Open elbow surgeries are generally performed in severe cases related to the progression of elbow osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and nerve compression.

Last Updated Date: 05 June 2018

Publication Date: 05 June 2018