Have you ever felt a sharp pain in your elbow when you first wake up in the morning or when you lift something heavy? What exactly is this pain that comes with a feeling of tightness and inability to extend or bend your arm? Although many people think this is normal, sometimes it can be something to pay attention to. Today, let's talk about elbow pain.
What exactly is elbow pain?
Simply put, elbow pain is any type of pain that comes from the inside, outside, or inside the joint of your elbow. You may feel this pain when lifting something, extending your arm, or bending. Some people experience it as a sharp pain, while others experience it as a dull ache.
Most of the time, this pain is caused by swelling or strain on the soft tissues around the elbow, such as the tendons. This is not a serious condition. It usually subsides with a few days of rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if the pain does not subside after about two weeks, you should definitely see a doctor.
What are the main causes of this pain?
There can be several causes of elbow pain. Let's take a look at what they are.
1. Tendinitis
This is the most common cause. Tendons are the strong tissues that connect our muscles to our bones. When we continue to perform the same movements, these tendons can become damaged and inflamed. This is called `Tendinitis`.
| Status name | Description |
|---|---|
| Tennis Elbow | This pain occurs on the outside of the elbow. Although it is commonly seen in tennis players, it is also common in carpentry, painting, and computer mouse users. |
| Golfer's Elbow | This pain comes from the inside of the elbow. This condition is common in golfers, cricketers, and weightlifters. |
2. Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints. There are several types of arthritis that can affect the elbow.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is when our own immune system mistakenly attacks our own healthy joints, causing swelling and pain.
- Osteoarthritis: As we age and use the soft cartilage in our joints wears down, causing the bones to rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness.
- Gout: A chemical called uric acid increases in the body and its crystals deposit in the joints, causing sudden, severe pain and swelling.
3. Other reasons
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs called bursae at the tip of the elbow.
- Nursemaid Elbow: A condition in which a small bone in the elbow pops slightly when lifted by the arm in young children. This is most common in children under 5 years of age.
- Injuries: Pain can also be caused by things like a fracture, sprain/strain, or dislocation of the elbow, such as a fall.
How exactly does the doctor find this?
When you go to see a doctor, he will examine you and ask you some questions.
- Is the pain in one elbow or both?
- Did something hurt?
- Is the pain coming from the inside of the elbow or from the outside?
- Did the pain start suddenly, or did it gradually increase?
- Does the pain increase or decrease when you do something?
Based on your answers to these questions, the doctor will refer you for further testing if necessary.
- X-ray examination
- Ultrasound scan
- MRI scan
- Nerve conduction study
You may be referred to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in joint diseases, or an orthopaedist, a doctor who specializes in bone diseases.
What are the treatments for elbow pain?
Often, this pain can be reduced with simple things you can do at home, but sometimes medical treatment is necessary.
| Treatment method | Description |
|---|---|
| Things you can do at home | Avoid activities that cause pain. Rest for a few days. Take a painkiller such as paracetamol. Apply ice to the area of pain and swelling (about 15 minutes, several times a day). |
| Medical treatment |
|
When should you definitely see a doctor?
Normal elbow pain will subside in a few days. However, if you have the following symptoms, see a doctor without delay .
| Symptoms that require urgent attention | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 | If there is unbearable pain when moving the elbow or if you cannot use the elbow at all. |
| 🚨 | If you cannot fully extend or bend your arm. |
| 🚨 | If there is a clear fall or injury , and there is a suspicion of a broken or dislocated bone (in such cases, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU)). |
| 🚨 | If the pain does not subside within two weeks despite resting and taking painkillers. |
| 🚨 | If you feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hands or fingers. |
| 🚨 | If there is fever, swelling, bruising, or redness in the elbow area. |
Take-Home Message
- Most elbow pain is caused by overuse of the elbow and is usually relieved with rest and simple painkillers.
- Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow are the most common types of tendonitis.
- Warming up properly before playing sports or exercising and using correct technique can help prevent pain.
- If the pain is severe, lasts more than two weeks, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness in the hand or fever, be sure to seek medical advice.
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