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Problems With the Elbow

Many baseball players and people who lift weights have problems with their elbow. Factory workers, dock workers and people who use their elbows a lot can also be susceptible to elbow pain and injuries. Elbow problems can range from simple muscle inflammation and pain to ligament strains and tears. Most can be treated with rest, ice and medicines like ibuprofen. Torn ligaments usually require surgery.

  1. Tennis Elbow

    • Tennis elbow (epicondylitis) or tendinitis affects the outside or radius (thumb side) part of the elbow. It can spur both inflammation and pain. Tennis elbow usually occurs when arm and forearm muscles constantly rub against the lateral epicondyle, a prominent bone in that area. Tennis elbow can be spurred by repetitive use of the arm or from overtraining at the gym. Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa sacs) usually occurs when tendinitis is present. People older than 40 are particularly vulnerable to both problems.

    Golfer's Elbow

    • Repetitive use of muscles on the inside of the elbow can cause golfer's elbow. This injury occurs when arm muscles constantly rub against the medial epicondyle, a prominent bone on the inside (little finger side) of the elbow. Inflammation and pain can result. Athletes often use elbow braces to support this area better when playing their particular sport.

    Elbow Pain In The Lower Triceps

    • Occasionally, people can have elbow problems in the lower part of their triceps (muscle tendons). This can be caused by any number of physical activities such as weightlifting or heavy work duties. Any motion in which one supports his weight by pushing down can potentially strain this area. Weightlifters who perform seated and standing dips can often spur this type of injury.

    Elbow Pain In Lower Biceps

    • People who do a lot of biceps curls or lift heavy objects repetitively can be susceptible to elbow pain in the lower biceps area. This can cause muscle strains and inflammation. Forearm flexor muscles that extend into the lower outside biceps often get overworked. Muscles on the inside front part of the elbow can be affected as well.

    Ligament Strains & Tears

    • Ligament strains and tears can occur when a person falls or jerks heavy objects around. Baseball pitchers often injure their radial or medial collateral ligaments (behind the arm) from years of throwing baseballs. Ligament strains take longer to heal than muscle strains. This is because blood flow is more limited in ligaments than muscles. Ligament tears are extremely painful. One can suffer fatigue and loss of coordination with this type of injury.

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