Common Elbow Injuries

• Tennis elbow accounts for about 4% of every 1,000 people
• Those aged between 35 and 54 are more likely to suffer from tennis elbow
• Golfers elbow is the most common source of medial pain
• Both tennis and golfers elbow is exacerbated from extending the forearm muscles

The elbow joint is made up of cartilage, bone, ligaments and fluid, with surrounding muscles and tendons helping it to move. The elbow gets a lot of use and any of these parts can be susceptible to injury or damage. Most people at some point in their life will have experienced injury or trauma to the elbow, even if it is a mild case of bumping the funny bone. There are lots of possible causes of elbow injuries.

If you have ever experienced elbow pain, then chances are you have injured it in some way or another. In many cases, you may be aware what happened to cause this, such as a fall or bump, but in other cases it can happen through general overuse or strain, that you may not even be aware of. The elbow joint is put under a lot of pressure and certain activities, such as sports or work-related tasks, can add to the stress on the joints, ligaments and tendons of this area. Many people who use their elbow a lot may wear an elbow support to help support this vulnerable area, or to relieve any painful symptoms.

Swelling

If swelling of the elbow occurs following a knock, this is known as bursitis. This can cause a lot of elbow pain, but ice and compression may reduce the swelling. In severe cases, the swelling may need to be drained. An elbow support may be needed for extra support once normal use of the elbow is resumed.

Overuse

Overuse of the muscles attached to the elbow can result in tennis elbow. In only a few cases is tennis elbow caused by playing too much tennis, but any repetitive activity that puts strains on the muscles in the elbow can be to blame. Symptoms include elbow pain, tenderness and discomfort. If pain occurs in the inside of the elbow, this is known as golfer's elbow. Symptoms usually get better over time, but sufferers may find relief in medication, physiotherapy or elbow support.

Inflammation

Inflammation or injury to the tendons in the elbow is referred to as tendonitis. This usually occurs through strain from doing a sports activity, such as golf or tennis, but overuse of the elbow can also be a reason.

Strains

Strains to the biceps, triceps, forearm flexors and extensors in the elbow can also become easily injured through overuse or strenuous activity. A torn bicep may require surgery, but a minor tear may heal itself over time with rehabilitation. Gentle exercise to strengthen any injured muscle as well as an elbow support may be required.

Fractures

Elbow fractures can also occur for a variety of reasons and can affect different parts of the elbow. Older people are often at higher risk of fractures from falls as they lose muscle mass and bone strength. In younger people, fractures may occur through falls or a direct blow. Dislocation of the elbow is also common in youngsters who take part in sport, when they have a fall on to the extended elbow.

The wide nature of injuries that can occur to the elbow means that treatment options vary and are tailored to the individual, ranging from complete rest to physiotherapy, medication, elbow support products and compression. Treatment aims to reduce elbow pain symptoms and strengthen the elbow and affected area.

Article Source: http://www.abcarticledirectory.com

Dave Regis discusses the use of orthotics for the management of elbow pain, reviewing injury rehabilitation through exercise and the use of bracing and supports. He writes articles focussing on the use of an elbow support and other methods of rehabilitation.

Posted on 2015-04-16, By: Dave Regis *

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