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Diagnosis of Elbow Pain

There are multiple causes of elbow pain including fractures, dislocations and infections. While mild elbow pain can be treated at home with warm or cool compresses and over-the-counter medications, people with persistent elbow pain should be seen by a doctor, as it is up to a medical professional to properly diagnose the cause.

  1. Sports Injury

    • WrongDiagnosis.com tells readers that most sport injuries are caused by repetitive motions. The medical term is medial epicondylitis. When the arm and muscles are overused, inflammation and pain can result around the elbow. Golfer's and tennis players often suffer this condition. After appropriate tests, such as x-rays or MRI's, your doctor will determine the best course of treatment depending upon the severity of the injury.

    Arthritis

    • There are different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

      The Arthritis Foundation defines osteoarthritis as a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage of the joint that protects the bones breaks down. It is the most common kind of arthritis and it develops over time.

      Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks the joints, destroying them and causing pain and stiffness to the joint. About 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

      All kinds of arthritis can be treated with over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), but it is best to have your physician examine the elbow to determine what the best treatment is. Depending on the severity of the condition prescription drugs, or even surgery may be required.

    Tendinitis

    • This refers to inflammation of tendons (tough cords of tissue that connect muscle to bone) caused by overuse, injury or related rheumatic conditions. Tendinitis produces pain and tenderness and may restrict movement of nearby joints.

    Bursitis

    • Bursae is a small sac filled with fluid. They help reduce friction between parts of the joints. Breakdown of the bursae or calcium deposits causes bursitis, which causes inflammation and pain. Possible causes may be arthritis, injury or infection of the bursae.

    Sprains

    • Aurora Health Care defines an elbow sprain as, "stretching or tearing of the ligaments that stabilize the elbow. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that cross joints and connect bones to each other."

      Symptoms of an elbow sprain include pain and tenderness, swelling, limited mobility of the elbow and pain. Treatments usually include rest, ice or possibly the use of a sling in more severe cases. Overuse of a sprained elbow will inhibit healing or worsen the original injury.

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