Elbow Injuries & Conditions

The elbow is one of the most complex joints in the human body. Made up of three bones, including the humerus, ulna, and radius; three ligaments; and seven major muscles, the elbow allows you to bend and extend your arm, as well as rotate your palm up and down.

Because of the complexity of this joint, elbow injuries are extremely common. These injuries can be brought on by a variety of causes but are commonly due to either blunt force, such as accidental falls, or overuse from repetitive movements, such as in sports or the workplace. Elbow injuries can be sorted into three categories, including soft tissue injuries, bone injuries, or nerve injuries.

The following are the most common elbow injuries and conditions we see in our practice. Follow the links below to learn more details and information on each condition, including causes, symptoms, and surgical and non-surgical treatments.

• Biceps Tendinitis
• Biceps Tendon Injury
• Children Elbow Injuries
• Children’s Elbow Fractures
• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
• Elbow Fractures
• Golfer’s Elbow
• Hyperextension Injury
• Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury at the Elbow
• Olecranon Bursitis
• Overuse Injuries of the Elbow
• Pronator Syndrome
• Tennis Elbow
• Triceps Tendonitis

If you need assistance determining your potential condition, our free Where Does it Hurt?® interactive tool can help; however, it is not intended to be used as a diagnostic measure. To get an official diagnosis and a treatment plan, please make an appointment with Dr. Knight at The Hand and Wrist Institute‘s Dallas or Southlake office. Appointments can be scheduled online or over the phone.

Elbow injuries and conditions include a range of issues that affect the elbow joint and its surrounding structures. This includes the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and the arm. We explore the common causes and symptoms below.

Causes

Here are some common causes and risk factors for elbow injuries:

• Repetitive motion: Jobs or tasks such as painting, cleaning, and cooking, or sports involving catching or throwing.
• Trauma: Direct impacts or falls can cause fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue injuries.
• Health conditions: Inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis.
• Previous injuries: Previous elbow injuries can make you susceptible to new injuries.

Symptoms 

Here are some common signs and symptoms to watch out for:

• Pain: Persistent or severe pain, especially during or after activity.
• Swelling: Inflammation and swelling in the elbow joint or the surrounding area.
• Reduced range of motion: Limited movement or stiffness when moving the elbow.
• Weakness: A sudden loss of strength or difficulty gripping objects.
• Numbness and tingling: Pins and needles in the hand, forearm, or fingers.
• Instability: Your elbow feels unstable or gives out during activity.
• Unusual sounds: Clicking, popping, or crunching noises when you move the elbow.

Common Elbow Injuries and Conditions

Below are some common elbow injuries and conditions, including causes, symptoms, and treatments.

Elbow Arthritis

Elbow arthritis can occur with wear and tear on the joint cartilage over time. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. To treat elbow arthritis, we recommend pain medication, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.

Elbow Bursitis

Elbow bursitis happens when the membrane at the tip of the elbow becomes inflamed. Repetitive pressure or trauma usually causes this condition. Symptoms include swelling, warmth, redness, and pain at the back of the elbow. To treat it, we recommend rest, anti-inflammatory medications, draining any excess fluid, and padding to relieve pressure.

Elbow Fractures

Elbow fractures are usually a result of trauma or injury that fractures certain bones. For example, radial head fractures affect the head of the radius bone near the elbow. Olecranon fractures affect the tip of the elbow. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and deformity of the elbow. To treat fractures, we immobilize the joint with a cast or splint. For complex cases, we may recommend surgery to repair the joint.

Elbow Strains and Sprains

Strain and sprains happen when you overstretch or tear your ligaments. Strains often occur during activities that involve throwing, lifting, or gripping. Sprains can result from a fall or impact that forces the joint out of its normal range. Both conditions cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the elbow. You may hear or feel a popping or tearing sensation when you sprain your elbow. Mild injuries may improve with rest and using a brace or splint. We may recommend surgery for severe sprains to repair the damaged ligaments.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when an injury compresses or irritates the ulnar nerve, which runs from the hand to the shoulder. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in your pinky and ring fingers. To treat this condition, we recommend splinting and physical therapy. In severe cases, we may recommend surgery to release the compressed nerve.

How To Prevent Elbow Injuries

Here are some tips to prevent elbow injuries:

• Stretch before exercise: Warming up and stretching your muscles and joints before any exercise is key. This helps increase blood flow and flexibility.
• Strengthen the joints: Regular strength training targeting the forearm and upper arm muscles can improve the stability of the elbow joint.
• Use the right technique: Whether you’re playing a sport or performing repetitive tasks, make sure to use the proper technique to avoid straining the elbow joint.
• Rest and recover: Make sure you get enough rest between activities to promote recovery and prevent injuries.
• Protect yourself: Wear elbow pads or braces when engaging in contact sports or lifting heavy objects.
• Create an ergonomic workspace: If your job involves repetitive arm movements, use ergonomic equipment to minimize strain on your elbow joint.
• Don’t overdo it: Vary your activities and give your elbows a rest in between tasks or sports.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

If left untreated, your injury could get worse and cause permanent damage. This could mean reduced joint stability or long-term issues with elbow function. Therefore, early diagnosis is very important.

Treatment Methods

Here are some common treatment methods:

• Rest: The first step in treating most elbow injuries is rest. Avoid activities that worsen pain to allow the injury to heal.
• Ice and compression: Applying ice and compression can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises and techniques to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
• Medication: We may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pain and inflammation.
• Bracing or splinting: We may use a brace or splint to stabilize the elbow while it heals.
• Corticosteroid injections: For certain conditions, such as tennis elbow, we may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation.
• Surgery: In severe cases, we may recommend surgery to repair damaged structures within the elbow joint.
• Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation is crucial after any treatment. It helps you regain strength and function, prevents re-injury, and ensures a full recovery.

When To Seek Medical Attention

If you experience persistent elbow pain, reduced mobility, or other concerning symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment with our orthopedic surgeons at the Hand and Wrist Institute in Dallas. We can provide an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery. Remember, preventing elbow injuries through proper care, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment is essential to maintain the health and function of your elbow.