Elbow Pain

• Your elbow joint is a hinged joint. Pain in your elbow can result from a number of different causes. Most commonly it can be from simple overuse or overstretching. This is called tennis elbow or bowlers elbow. These overuse injuries are associated with tendonitis and bursitis. These are associated with repetitive disorders and can happen with an impact or fall. You may experience problems with holding onto a gallon of milk i.e. common household tasks. If there is significant swelling use ice some mild compression with an ace bandage or brace and keep your elbow supported.

• X-rays help to identify osteoarthritis or fractures in the elbow but depending upon your age problems may deal with the soft tissues. A good clinical exam and history can give good insight into the soft tissues but only an MRI can evaluate the anatomy of the soft tissues i.e. muscles tendons and joint surfaces of the elbow. Generally these are not necessary as they respond quickly to conservative care.

• When your elbow is in acute pain use ice and heat at home as instructed by Dr. Humberstone. If there is swelling always use ice.