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Elbow pain

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Pain - elbow

Definition    Return to top

This article describes aching or other discomfort in the elbow that is not related to direct injury.

Causes    Return to top

Elbow pain can be caused by a variety of problems. A common cause in adults is tendinitis, an inflammation and injury to the tendons -- soft tissues that attach muscle to bone.

People who play racquet sports are most likely to injure the tendons on the outside of the elbow. This condition is commonly called tennis elbow. Golfers are more likely to injure the tendons on the inside of the elbow.

Other common causes of elbow tendinitis are gardening, playing baseball, using a screwdriver, or overusing your wrist.

Young children commonly develop "nursemaid's elbow," usually when someone is pulling on their straightened arm. The bones are stretched apart momentarily and a ligament slips in between, where it becomes trapped when the bones try to snap back into place. Children will usually quietly refuse to use the arm, but often cry out with any attempt to bend or straighten the elbow. This condition is also called an elbow subluxation (a partial dislocation).

Other common causes of elbow pain are:

Home Care    Return to top

In adults, the following steps can help treat many cases of elbow pain:

Nursemaid's elbow can be treated in a doctor's office or emergency room.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Contact your doctor if:

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

Your doctor will perform a physical examination, including a thorough examination of the elbow, and ask questions such as:

For chronic tennis elbow, your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever and a corticosteroid injection into the painful area. Usually no more than three such injections are performed. Surgery is a last resort.

For arthritis, physical therapy and analgesics may help. For infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

For bursitis, your doctor may need to drain fluid.

Prevention    Return to top

References    Return to top

Sellards R, Kuebrich C. The elbow: diagnosis and treatment of common injuries. Prim Care. 2005; 32(1): 1-16.

American College of Radiology (ACR) Expert Panel on Musculoskeletal Imaging. Chronic elbow pain. Reston, VA: American College of Radiology; 2001.

Update Date: 7/17/2008

Updated by: Andrew L. Chen, MD, MS, Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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