Common Causes of Elbow Pain

There are many conditions that can be associated with elbow pain. Elbow pain is not usually a serious condition. Tennis Elbow Tennis elbow can also be referred to as lateral epicondylitis. Tennis elbow is an inflammation, soreness or pain on the outside (lateral) area near the elbow (Figure 1). The condition is usually seen in patients who perform manual labor or sports that require twisting and extension of the wrist against resistance. Tennis elbow is often associated with degeneration, irritation, tears and pain of the extensor tendons. Treatment: Treatment of tennis elbow includes ice, wearing an elbow pad, a decrease in activity, physical therapy, eccentric exercises, injections (steroid or PRP) and surgery as a last resort. Differential Diagnosis: Radial Tunnel Syndrome causes pain that is very similar to the symptoms of tennis elbow (Figure 2). The pain is usually distal to the lateral epicondyle and radiates down the forearm. If the symptoms of tennis elbow are not going away with treatment, rule out the possibility of radial tunnel. Biceps Tendon Rupture The biceps muscle aids in flexion of the elbow and supination of the forearm. Injury found in patients who perform manual labor, body builders, etc. Pain, bruising and swelling will be located in front of the elbow. Rupture may retract the muscle causing the "popeye" sign (Figure 3). This rupture affects 40% of supination of the forearm and the tendon needs to be reattached to the tuberosity of the radius...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news