What Causes Elbow Pain?
Numerous factors can contribute to elbow discomfort. Most often, this discomfort arises from excessive use or strain on the joint, typically stemming from work, sports, leisure activities, or unforeseen incidents. The following are typical origins of elbow discomfort:
Sprains and Strains: Sprains involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments connecting two bones, whereas strains pertain to the overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons, the fibrous tissues attaching muscles to bones, due to excessive force.
Tendinitis: This condition involves inflammation or irritation of tendons that link muscles to elbow bones, primarily caused by repetitive use.
Bursitis: Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs, known as bursae, which cushion elbow bones.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Characterized by inflammation of tendons connecting forearm muscles to the outer elbow joint.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Resulting from tendon inflammation where forearm tendons attach to the inner elbow’s bony prominence.
Throwing Injuries: Often referred to as “baseball pitcher’s elbow,” these injuries result from excessive elbow usage during throwing motions. Similar injuries can occur in other sports with comparable movements, particularly seen in young baseball pitchers.
Radial Nerve Compression: This occurs when the radial nerve passing through the elbow joint is pinched or compressed.
Ulnar Nerve Compression (Entrapment): Pinching or compression of the nerve caused by swelling or displacement.
Ligament Tears: Ligaments in the elbow joint can tear due to excessive force applied to the joint.
Injuries to Elbow Components: Trauma affecting any part of the elbow joint, as well as neighboring structures that collaborate with the joint (upper arm, forearm, and shoulders).
Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of cartilage at the end of elbow bones.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation.
Olecranon Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa located at the elbow’s tip.
Elbow Joint Infections: Infections such as cellulitis, abscess formation, or septic arthritis affect any elbow structures.
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