The elbow joint is one of the most subject to shocks and pains of various kinds. Elbow pain is a sensation that has surely affected you at least once in your life due to the fact that this joint endures many bumps and incorrect movements that are involuntarily made with the arm.
In this article we will go to see together what elbow pain is and what are the different ways in which it can manifest itself, trying to provide you with a complete guide on this topic as, being a joint, the elbow is also subject to particular strains. and trauma and can cause pain.
Right or Left Elbow Pain: What are the causes
There are generally no substantial differences between right elbow pain and left elbow pain. In fact, a similar condition can affect both the elbow of the right arm and that of the left arm indifferently.
At the limit, the pain could increase when it affects the elbow of the dominant limb, for example, if we are left-handed, pain in the left elbow may be more frequent precisely because we strain that arm more.
In any case, the main causes of elbow pain can be summarized in the following points:
- epicondylitis , which is a condition commonly known as tennis elbow;
- Arthritis ; _
- Arthrosis ;
- La tensinovite;
- A herniated disc ;
- Epithrocleitis , which is a condition also known as golfer’s elbow;
- Rheumatoid arthritis ;
- Cervical arthrosis ;
- Tendonitis ; _
- The borsite .
As you can see, some of these causes are real pathological conditions. This is due to the fact that elbow pain can present itself as a symptom of one of these conditions.
Elbow pain when I extend it
Often it can happen to feel pain in the elbow only when the joint is stretched, ie when the arm is stretched. The doctor might invite us to do this movement just to understand what it is.
In fact, one of the most common conditions in which elbow pain occurs when it is stretched out is epicondylitis, that is tennis elbow, which we will discuss more later.
Elbow pain when I put it down
. Elbow painwhen it is supported, on the other hand, it has several causes. The most common cause is the presence of an inflammation of the synovial capsule, usually caused by the fact that the individual often leans on the elbow.
This condition mostly affects those people who do, for example, office work and often put the joint on their desk until inflammation occurs.
Furthermore, when we perceive pain in the elbow by resting it on a surface, it could also be an inflammation or compression of the ulnar nerve, that is the nerve that, when it is hit, causes us a strong pain that radiates up to the tip of the ring finger and the little finger of the hand.
Finally, such a situation can also occur in the presence of epicondylitis.
Inner Elbow Pain: Epithrocleitis or Golfer’s Elbow
When elbow pain is felt on the inside of the forearm, it could be a condition commonly known as golfer’s elbow which is medically referred to as epithrocleitis.
It is a condition that mainly affects those who always make the same movements, mostly rotational, or those who expose the elbow to repeated stresses, for example the continuous use of a pneumatic hammer.
Hence the term golfer’s elbowand relatively incorrect because this condition does not only affect those who practice this sport, but also those who do jobs that involve repetitive movements such as those mentioned above, or those who go to the gym and so on.
In these cases, inflammation of the bone located on the inside of the elbow occurs. The pain is caused by the fact that, at this point, the tendons enter the joint.
In the case of epithrocleitis, very specific symptoms occur such as those mentioned below:
- Feeling of discomfort when the affected tendons are stretched or subjected to some pressure;
- Shooting pain when clenching the fist while keeping the palm facing up;
- Pain in the inner part of the elbow when precise movements are made.
Epicondylitis or Tennis Elbow
Another very common condition that affects the elbow and causes pain in the sufferer is epicondylitis , commonly known asg omito of the tennis player. Even in this case, however, it must be remembered that it is not a disease that affects only those who play tennis.
In fact, it mainly affects those who perform repetitive movements in which the hand is rotated, for example the simple use of a screwdriver for a long time.
With the term epicondyle we refer to the bony protrusion that is located on the external side of the elbow and, also in this case, the pain is caused by the fact that the tendons of the arm are inserted in this point. In fact, the tendons found in this area become inflamed, causing pain and heat.
As with epithrocleitis, the condition is also recognized when specific symptoms such as the following occur:
- The strongest pain is felt when holding an object in the hand, keeping the elbow in extension;
- Turning the hand palm up (forearm supination) causes severe pain;
- If the tendon is pressed or stretched, pain is felt;
- Using tools like the mouse causes pain.
Usually the sore elbow in the case of epicondylitis and that of the dominant arm. That is, if we are right handed we will be more subject in the right elbow and vice versa if we are left handed.
What to do in these cases
In some cases it is essential to seek medical attention, especially when home remedies have proved useless, such as applying ice or taking over-the-counter pain relievers.
When the following conditions occur, it is essential to contact your doctor for a check-up:
- When fever occurs;
- When the elbow is particularly hot;
- When the pain continues over time;
- When the elbow looks misshapen and we think it has broken;
- When we can’t bend the joint.
If the doctor suspects the presence of epithrocleitis, he will certainly undergo an ultrasound to evaluate the condition of the tendons and, if the situation is not serious, he will advise you to make ice packs, to undergo laser therapy and ultrasound to solve the problem.
In the event that the epitrocleitis is severe, then the doctor may deem it necessary to carry out cortisone infiltrations locally even if it would be better to avoid them in order not to favor the degeneration of the tendons. This is why we always prefer to opt for a specific exercise program.
Even if your doctor suspects epicondylitis, he will undergo an ultrasound scan, although an X-ray could assess the presence of any calcium deposits on the tendon or other abnormalities affecting the elbow.
The treatment foreseen for epicondylitis, in principle, is the same that is considered for epitrocleitis, namely:
- Ice packs;
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as NSAID non-steroidal anti-inflammatories;
- An exercise program aimed at strengthening the elbow muscles.
Finally, in the case of epicondylitis, you can also use special straps that can be purchased in pharmacies, drugstores or sports shops.
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