The elbow consists of cartilage, bone, fluid, and ligaments. You need your elbows to perform activities, such as lifting objects, typing on a keyboard, and playing tennis among others. However, this can only happen if the joints, tendons, and muscles are in good shape. Any injury to the elbow can easily disrupt your daily routine and subject you to pain. If you want to continue with your activities, whether you’re a professional athlete, weekend warrior, musician, or weight lifter, you need to get your elbow injuries treated by an orthopedic surgeon. Keep reading to learn some common elbow injuries that you should seek treatment for.
Elbow Tendinitis
Elbow tendinitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a condition that causes pain and tenderness in the outer part of the elbow. It’s caused by repetitive motion and strain on the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. While it’s commonly associated with tennis players, it can also affect people who engage in other activities that require repetitive motions, such as playing musical instruments, typing, and painting.
Symptoms of elbow tendinitis include weakness, stiffness, pain, and difficulty gripping objects. Its treatment may include physical therapy, ice, rest, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
You can do several things to prevent elbow tendinitis. One of the important is to take breaks when engaging in activities that require repetitive motion. Additionally, you should use proper form and technique when engaging in physical activities to reduce the strain on the tendons in the elbow. Wearing a brace or support can also stabilize the joint and reduce the risk of injury. If you experience symptoms of elbow tendinitis, seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent the condition from getting worse.
Elbow Fractures
Elbow fractures can occur due to various reasons. They can happen when you fall on an outstretched hand or if you experience a direct impact on the elbow. Although these fractures can affect people of all ages, they’re more common in children and older adults. One of the most common type of elbow fracture is the distal humerus fracture, which occurs when the lower end of the humerus bone is broken. If your elbow has fractured, you may experience pain, stiffness, bruising, and difficulty moving the arm. Treatment for elbow fractures depend on the severity of the injury and can include immobilization with a splint or cast, physical therapy, or surgery.
The recovery time for an elbow fracture is affected by the type of treatment used, and how severe your injury is. Minor fractures may heal within a few weeks, while more severe fractures may require several months to heal. If you want to recover fully, follow the doctor’s recommendation and attend any scheduled physical therapy sessions.
Elbow Bursitis
Elbow bursitis occurs when the bursa, a fluid-filled sac located at the tip of the elbow becomes inflamed. The bursa acts as a cushion between the skin and bone. When it’s irritated, it can fill with fluid and cause pain and swelling. Elbow bursitis can be caused by repetitive pressure on the elbow, which occurs due to leaning on hard surfaces and playing sports with repetitive motions. It can also be caused by trauma.
Treatment for elbow bursitis includes elevation of the affected arm. An orthopedic surgeon may also drain the excess fluid from the bursar and prescribe anti-inflammatory medication.
Conclusion
Elbow injuries are common and can happen to anyone. If you suspect you have an elbow injury, seek medical attention. This will prevent long-term complications and promote a faster recovery. You should also remember to practice safety measures when performing any activity.
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