Elbow pain

Do you suffer from elbow discomfort while engaging in activities like lifting heavy objects, reaching overhead, or extending your arms to the side? If so, you're not alone - around 40% of adults experience elbow pain on a regular basis. Although most cases are harmless, they can sometimes indicate an underlying issue. Elbow pain can have various causes, with strains on tendons and muscles in the upper and lower arm being the most common.

Approximately 80% of elbow pain cases arise due to repetitive motion and muscular imbalances. Repetitive elbow motions from poorly executed daily activities, sports, and professions can result in muscular imbalances. These imbalances can be influenced by factors like poor posture, previous injuries, incorrect or unbalanced workout routines, and genetics. If you experience excessive elbow pain, consulting with an osteopath for a personalized workout regimen to strengthen the muscles around your arms and shoulder girdle while addressing potential lactic acid buildup can help.

Elbow instability is a less common condition that can occur when a significant amount of force is applied to the elbow joint, such as during a car accident, sporting injury, or untreated sprained wrist. This type of elbow pain is usually accompanied by clicking or popping sensations in the joint and may also cause swelling and bruising. If left untreated, elbow instability can lead to long-term problems such as degenerative arthritis and joint instability. If you suspect elbow instability, it's critical to seek proper diagnosis and treatment from an osteopath or physical therapist.

Tendonitis, the inflammation of tendons that connect muscles to bones, is another prevalent cause of elbow pain. While it commonly affects tendons attached to the thumb and wrist, it can also occur in the muscles connected to the elbow. Excessive use of the affected muscles and tendons due to specific professions, sports, and daily activities can lead to tendonitis. While rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication are often effective in treating tendonitis, it's important to consult with your osteopath to rule out other potential causes.

Bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints and reduce friction, is another common cause of elbow pain. It frequently presents with swelling, redness, and pain at the back of the elbow and is often observed in athletes, manual laborers, and individuals with arthritis. Bursitis can also occur after an elbow injury, such as a sprain or fracture. Rest, ice, compression, and anti-inflammatory medication are typically effective in treating bursitis, but persistent symptoms may require the assistance of an osteopath or healthcare provider.

Nerve pain can also be a source of elbow pain resulting from the compression of nerves that travel through the upper arm. Factors such as carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and thyroid conditions can contribute to nerve compression in the upper arm, leading to dull, aching pain in the elbow, along with tingling, numbness, and weakness in the fingers and hand. Self-care methods like using a wrist brace, taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks, and wearing a compression sleeve may help with milder cases of nerve pain, but it's important to consult an osteopath for further evaluation if you suspect more serious underlying conditions. Make a booking with one of our osteopaths today to find out more about elbow pain.