Elbow pain is a surprisingly common issue, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. If you’re experiencing discomfort in your elbow, you’re likely wondering, “Why Does My Elbow Hurt?”. The causes can range from simple overuse to more complex conditions like arthritis or injuries. Understanding the potential reasons behind your elbow pain is the first step towards finding relief and the right treatment.
There are several common culprits behind elbow pain, each with its own set of symptoms and required approaches. Let’s explore some of the primary reasons you might be experiencing pain in your elbow:
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Tendinitis: Overuse and Inflammation
Tendinitis is a frequent cause of elbow pain, characterized by the inflammation of tendons. Tendons are the strong, fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones. In the elbow, overuse is often the primary trigger for tendinitis. Repetitive motions that strain the elbow joint can lead to tiny tears in the tendons, resulting in pain and inflammation.
Two common types of elbow tendinitis are:
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Despite its name, tennis elbow isn’t exclusive to tennis players. It affects the tendons on the outer side of your elbow. Activities involving repetitive wrist extension and forearm rotation, like painting, using hand tools, or, indeed, playing tennis, can cause tennis elbow. Pain is typically felt on the outside of the elbow and may radiate down the forearm.
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inner side of your elbow. Repetitive wrist flexion and forearm pronation, common in golfing, weightlifting, and even certain types of manual work, can lead to this condition. Pain is usually located on the inside of the elbow and can extend into the wrist.
Arthritis: Joint Degeneration and Inflammation
Arthritis is another significant cause of elbow pain. It involves the inflammation and degeneration of the joints. Several types of arthritis can affect the elbow, including:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis and results from the breakdown of cartilage, the protective cushion between bones in a joint. As cartilage wears away, bones rub directly against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Osteoarthritis in the elbow often develops gradually over time due to wear and tear.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple joints, including the elbows, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and potential joint damage.
With arthritis in the elbow, you may experience persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, and a decreased ability to move your elbow fully.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the Bursa Sacs
Bursitis occurs when the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints, become inflamed. In the elbow, the olecranon bursa, located at the bony tip of the elbow, is commonly affected.
Olecranon bursitis can be caused by:
- Direct trauma: A blow to the elbow.
- Prolonged pressure: Leaning on your elbows for extended periods.
- Infection: Bacteria entering the bursa sac.
- Underlying conditions: Such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
Symptoms of elbow bursitis include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth to the touch at the tip of the elbow. Movement might also be painful, and you may notice a visible, soft lump at the back of your elbow.
Elbow Injuries: Acute and Over Time
Elbow injuries are a broad category encompassing various traumas that can lead to pain. These can range from sudden, one-time incidents to injuries that develop gradually over time.
One-Time Injuries:
- Dislocated Elbow: A dislocated elbow occurs when one of the bones forming the elbow joint is forced out of its normal position. This often happens due to a fall onto an outstretched hand. In children, a specific type called “nursemaid’s elbow” can occur when a child is pulled up by their hand or forearm, causing a partial dislocation. A dislocated elbow is intensely painful and requires immediate medical attention to relocate the bones properly.
- Fractured Elbow: An elbow fracture means one or more of the bones around your elbow joint has broken. Falls, direct blows to the elbow (such as in sports or car accidents), can cause fractures. Elbow fractures are painful, and while you might still be able to move your elbow slightly, any movement will likely increase the pain. Medical evaluation, including X-rays, is crucial to diagnose and treat an elbow fracture.
It’s important to remember that persistent or severe elbow pain should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. While some elbow pain might resolve with rest and home care, other conditions require medical intervention to prevent long-term complications and ensure proper healing.
