Elbow pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, and underlying medical conditions. The elbow joint is critical for everyday activities such as carrying objects and lifting weights.
Causes of Elbow Pain
There are many causes of elbow pain, including:
- Tennis elbow: Tennis elbow is a condition that occurs when the tendons in the elbow become inflamed due to overuse. It is common among athletes who play racket sports, but can also affect people who use their arms frequently in their daily work.
- Golfer’s elbow: Golfer’s elbow is similar to tennis elbow but affects the inner side of the elbow. It can be caused by repetitive motion, such as swinging a golf club or throwing a ball.
- Bursitis: Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. When the bursae become inflamed, it can cause pain and swelling in the elbow.
- Fractures: Fractures of the elbow can occur due to trauma or injury, such as a fall or car accident.
- Arthritis: Arthritis is a chronic condition that can cause inflammation and pain in the joints, including the elbow joint.
Elbow Pain Treatment
The treatment options for elbow pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. Common treatments include:
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help to manage mild to moderate elbow pain. In more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can be helpful for both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. A physical therapist can develop an exercise plan to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.
- Injection therapies: Corticosteroid injections can help to reduce inflammation and pain in the elbow joint, tendons or nerves.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options can include removing damaged tissue, repairing tendons or ligaments, or replacing the joint with an artificial joint.
Most interventional pain procedures are done at the onsite procedure suite.
Don’t let elbow pain keep you from living your life. Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to help you achieve pain relief and improve your overall well-being. Call Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center or book an appointment online today.