The elbow poses a unique set of challenges for physical therapists, particularly with chronic conditions like tennis elbow. This condition, while commonly associated with tennis, has become more frequent in today’s fast-paced world, where repetitive tasks like typing, painting, or packing can trigger it. Fractures of the radius and ulna bones are also common elbow problems we treat.
In the wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most frequent condition, typically caused by repeated hand and wrist movements, often seen in those working long hours at a desk or performing manual tasks.
This condition involves inflammation or microtears in the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow, often due to repetitive wrist and arm motions, resulting in pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.
Similar to tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow involves inflammation or microtears in the tendons that attach to the inner part of the elbow, typically caused by repetitive gripping or swinging motions, leading to pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow.
Inflammation of the bursa sacs located near the elbow joint can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness, often aggravated by leaning on the elbow or repetitive arm movements.
Fractures of the bones in the elbow, such as the radius or ulna, can occur due to falls, sports injuries, or trauma, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the elbow.
Inflammation of the bursa sac located at the tip of the elbow (olecranon) can result in a swollen, tender bump at the back of the elbow, often caused by repetitive pressure or direct trauma.
Inflammation of the tendons in the elbow, such as the biceps tendon or the tendons of the forearm muscles, can cause pain and stiffness, especially with activities that involve gripping or lifting.
Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, cubital tunnel syndrome involves compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling sensations in the hand and fingers.
Like other joints, the elbow can develop arthritis, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, particularly during activities that require bending and straightening the elbow.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed or irritated, resulting in a predictable pattern of numbness and tingling involving mostly the index finger, middle finger, thumb, and a portion of the ring finger. Fractured or dislocated fingers are another common hand injury and are usually treated with basic splinting or hard casting to allow proper and complete healing.
If you or a family member have been dealing with persistent pain for more than three weeks without improvement, a visit to a licensed physical therapist could be highly beneficial. While many aches and pains improve on their own, ongoing issues often need a professional evaluation from a musculoskeletal expert.
All information on this website is intended for instruction and informational purposes only. The authors are not responsible for any harm or injury that may result. Significant injury risk is possible if you do not follow due diligence and seek suitable professional advice about your injury. No guarantees of specific results are expressly made or implied on this website.
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