The elbow is a hinge type of joint that connects the upper arm bone to the forearm bones. It is made up of three bones: the ulna, humerus, and radius and allows you to bend and straighten your arms, and reach, lift, and move objects. The bones of the elbow are supported by muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which can become irritated and inflamed due to a variety of reasons.
The elbow contributes greatly to daily movements, and if the elbow develops a problem, you may feel symptoms starting from your upper arm all the way to the hands. The simple act of opening a doorknob and brushing your teeth may prove difficult with elbow pain and injury – even more so with movements required to play many sports, such as golf and tennis.
If you want to receive effective treatment for your elbow pain, an orthopedic doctor is the right specialist for the job.
What Are the Signs of an Elbow Injury?
An elbow injury can be painful and limiting. Symptoms of an elbow injury include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Stiffness around the elbow joint
- Numbness or weakness in the hands and wrists
- Hearing a popping noise whenever you move your elbow
- A visible deformity such as a protruding bone
- Trouble moving your arm palm up and palm down
Call an orthopedic doctor if you experience symptoms even while at rest or if pain and swelling become severe.
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Elbow pain is a common symptom of overuse injuries, and many elbow conditions have names that are associated with sports. Although these are common sports injuries, you can also develop them through repetitive motions, such as those required for desk jobs and carpenters. These overuse injuries are a result of cumulative stress on the tendons and muscles, which causes tears to develop, leading to pain and inflammation.
Here are three of the common type of elbow injuries from sports:
- Tennis Elbow – injury to the tendons and muscles on the outer part of the elbow. Weak muscles, poor technique, and other repetitive movements performed while cooking and working on a computer can cause tennis elbow. Pain is usually felt along the outside of the forearm.
- Golfer’s Elbow – injury to the tendons on the inside of the elbow, which is also caused by stress placed on the soft tissues located on the same side. Racket sports, throwing sports, and forceful and repetitive movements can cause golfer’s elbow. Pain from golfer’s elbow is felt in the forearm and wrist.
- Pitcher’s Elbow – injury to the tendons and ligaments on the inside of the elbow. It is caused by excessive throwing motions in sports. Pain from this injury is felt on the inside of the elbow, it can also feel like your elbow is locking or getting stuck.
Why See an Orthopedic Doctor
If you are experiencing elbow pain, it is important to see an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible. Elbow pain can be caused by a variety of factors, and it is important to get an accurate diagnosis in order to receive the appropriate treatment.
A doctor may perform various tests and scans in order to determine the cause of your elbow pain. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause, and an orthopedic doctor can get to the bottom of what is causing your elbow pain, including the activities that brought it on, and provide treatment that boosts your body’s healing.
Elbow Pain Treatment in Austin, TX
For expert treatment of your elbow injury, choose All-Star Orthopedics of Austin. Our orthopedic surgeons received special training in sports medicine, which means they can diagnose and treat your elbow injury as quickly and effectively as possible.
To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic doctors, call our orthopedic clinic today at (512) 346-4933 or use our convenient online request form.
