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Elbow Pain

30/8/2014

Overuse of the elbow joint causes small tears in the soft tissue, particularly where the tendon attaches to the bone. A tendon is a band of tissue that connects the muscle to the bone. Tears or inflammation of a tendon is referred to as tendinitis, and this can be experienced as an ache or pain the inner or outer elbow (referred to as elbow pain).

Do you suffer Elbow pain?

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are the two main injuries resulting in elbow pain, with tennis elbow being the most common. In fact, about 1 in 3% of people suffer from tennis or golfer’s elbow.

Symptoms of elbow pain include :

Dull ache when resting
Pain when opening the fingers (tennis elbow)
Pain with making a fist (golfer’s elbow)
Soreness around the affected elbow bump
Weak grip
Difficulties and pain when trying to grasp objects, especially with the arm stretched out

Inflammation from Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a term used to describe a condition where the outside of the elbow becomes painful by overuse of the arm, forearm, and hand muscles. When these muscles are used repeatedly, small tears may develop in the tendon. This eventually leads to discomfort or pain where the tendon is attached to the bone.

Middle aged people are more likely to get Tennis Elbow

Anyone can develop tennis elbow – you do not have to play tennis to get it. The term is named tennis elbow as the repetitive use of the elbow joint resemble the movement used when swinging a tennis racquet.

According to the virtual medical centre, middle-aged adults aged between 40 and 60 are more susceptible to tennis elbow, although it can affect anyone at any age.

Symptoms:

Onset tends to be gradual

It may take several days for an ache to develop after the tear occurs
Pain on the outside of the elbow
Pain is usually localised but can extend through the forearm and wrist
Weakened grip
Without treatment, symptoms can take 6 to 24 months to resolve
Pain can be triggered or exacerbated by
- Opening the fingers
- Repeatedly rotating the forearm or extending the wrist backward toward the forearm.
- Activities such as turning on taps or turning door handles may worsen the pain.

Treatment:

Application of ice
Analgesics (pain relievers)
Resting the injured elbow by avoiding activities that aggravate the pain
Wearing an elbow brace
Natural Therapies such as Myotherapy
- Myotherapists will demonstrate exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the forearm
- For more severe cases, injections or surgery may be considered

Prevention:

Some tips to prevent elbow injuries before they happen includes:

Stretch and warm up before playing sport or performing any other activity involving repetitive use of the elbow or forearm
Cool down when you are finished
Pay attention to your technique
Set up your work environment and activities to minimise repetitive activities and pressure
Take regular rest breaks, particularly at the first sign of discomfort in the elbow
There are other factors that have been associated with the risk of developing tennis elbow. These include:
- Being female
  - Women typically have more join inflammation
- Getting older
  - Connective tissues do not heal as well as we get older
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Handling loads repetitively
  - This can be demanding on your joints
For further explanation about tennis elbow, please clink on the link below to view a video: What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis Elbow vs Golfer's Elbow

Treatments:
If symptoms persist consult your doctor or natural therapist (e.g., myotherapist)

Exercises prescribed by your health professional to gradually strengthen the tendons
Soft tissue massage
Ice massage
Dry needling
Taping or bracing your elbow
Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication can help you cope with the pain, but do not improve long-term outcomes

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is a term used to describe pain and tenderness on the inner part of the elbow. Overusing the muscles in the forearm that allow you to grip, rotate your arm, and flex your wrist can form tears in the tendons, which cause pain and inflammation.

Golfers Elbow effects the inside of the elbow

Similarly to tennis elbow, anyone can get golfer’s elbow – not just those who play golf. It is named golfer’s elbow as the tendon involved in this injury is strained when motioning as if you were swinging a golf club.

Golfer’s elbow is most common in adults above the age of 35, although it can affect anyone at any age.

Inflammation from Golfer's Elbow

Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop gradually
- It may take several days for an ache to develop after the tear occurs
- Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
  - Although this pain is usually localised, it can also extend along the inner side of the forearm
  - Pain may worsen with some activities (e.g., turning a doorknob, shaking hands)
  - Elbow stiffness or weakness
  - Numbness or tingling that can radiate into one or more fingers

Treatment

Application of ice
Analgesics (pain relievers)
Resting the injured elbow for at least a few weeks
Wearing a splint or strap to prevent pulling of the injured tendon
Natural Therapies such as Myotherapy
- Myotherapists will demonstrate exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the forearm
- For more severe cases, surgery may be considered

Prevention

Strengthen your forearm muscles
- This can be achieved by performing simple exercises daily such as using light weights or squeezing a tennis ball
- Warm up and stretch your muscles before you take part in physical activity
- Monitor your technique during activities
- It is important to know when to take a break and rest, especially at the first sign of any elbow pain.
Check out this youtube video about Golfers Elbow

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