Woman suffering from elbow joint pain

Elbow Pain

Your elbow is a complex joint with an intricate network of bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. When the tissues of your elbow are injured or inflamed, it can cause significant discomfort and may affect your forearm, hand, fingers, and wrist as well.

Damage to your elbow joint may cause pain when bending and straightening, numbness, tingling, swelling, limited movement, tenderness, weakness, and stiffness. Potential causes of pain may include:

  • Arthritis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
  • Fracture
  • Tendonitis
  • Sprains
  • Tennis or golfer’s elbow

Causes

People at the highest risk of experiencing elbow joint pain include those over the age of 40 and those who perform repetitive activities involving the elbow, hand, or wrist as part of their job. Athletes, in particular, are prone to inner and outer elbow pain due to highly repetitive motions such as throwing, lifting, or swinging instruments like a bat, racket, or golf club.

Tennis elbow is a common cause of pain and discomfort on the outer side of the joint. Despite its name, it doesn't only affect tennis players but anyone who engages in repetitive motions with their elbow, hand, or wrist. It occurs when there is inflammation and irritation in the tendons supporting the outside of the elbow joint. The discomfort often radiates into the forearm and wrist. In addition to pain and discomfort, weakness or instability may be noticed when turning a doorknob, shaking someone's hand, or holding a glass.

Golfer's elbow, similar to tennis elbow, causes inner elbow pain. The source of discomfort is inflammation and irritation of the tendons inside the elbow joint. This condition doesn't solely affect golfers; it can also develop as a result of repetitive motion or prolonged periods of gripping.

Symptoms of golfer's elbow include burning or sharp pain on the inner side of the elbow joint, forearm, wrist, or hand. Numbness and tingling may also be experienced, particularly extending to the fingers, especially the ring and little fingers.

Treatments

High Line Rehab has experience effectively treating the underlying causes of your pain and discomfort, including tennis and golfer’s elbow. We use modern and innovative techniques. Possible treatments may include:

  • Ice and heat therapy
  • Therapeutic massage
  • Nonsteroidal pain medications
  • Rest and elevation
  • Stretching and exercise

Innovative treatments include ultrasound therapy, which stimulates healing in damaged tissues using waves of energy, and BEMER® vascular therapy, which encourages healing by increasing circulation and oxygen to damaged tissues.

For a consultation and customized treatment plan to relieve elbow joint pain, call or schedule an appointment online with High Line Rehab today.