If you have elbow pain, it may be one of the three most common elbow injuries:
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): pain on the outside of the elbow caused by an inflammed tendon of the muscle that extends the forearm (as in a tennis backhand)
Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow): pain on the inside of the elbow caused by an inflammed tendon of the muscle that flexes the forearm (as in swinging a golf club)
Medial collateral ligament sprain (thrower's elbow): pain on both sides of the elbow cause by damage to one of the ligaments that hold the bones together (common in baseball pitchers and other people who throw things)
You don't have to be a tennis player, golfer, or thrower of things to get one of these injuries, as other activities also use these motions.
The elbow joint is where the bone of the upper arm (humerus) meets the two bones of the lower arm (radius and ulna). A number of muscles, tendons, and ligaments hold these bones together, while also letting you bend and straighten your arm.
Causes of Pain
Damage to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments around the elbow joint causes pain. The most common cause of injury is overuse. Any action that is repetitive and places a prolonged strain on the forearm muscles, combined with not enough rest, can strain and overwork the muscles.
Other causes of pain include direct injury (such as a bump or fall), using poorly fitted equipment (tennis racquets, golf clubs, work tools, and so forth), poor sports or working technique (get some instruction!), and a low level of general fitness and conditioning.
Another possible cause of elbow pain is olecranon bursitis. There's a pad at the tip (olecranon) of the elbow called a bursa. Injury, minor trauma, local infection, or body-wide diseases (for example, rheumatoid arthritis or gout) can cause the bursa to become inflammed and painful. Usually, swelling also occurs with olecranon bursitis.
Massage therapy is a great way to help heal elbow injury (but not bursitis), if you find a massage therapist who is skilled in injury massage. More Information
To learn more about the treatment and prevention of elbow injuries, see the following articles:
