Diagnosis and treatment for elbow pain including golfers elbow and tennis elbow

Why Does My Elbow Hurt, Exploring Causes and Treatment Options

Elbow pain is a common complaint that can range from a mild annoyance to a debilitating condition, impacting your daily activities. In this blog we will discover reasons behind elbow pain, and potential causes, and explore treatments and solutions, focusing on two prominent conditions- tennis elbow and golfer's elbow


Possible Causes:

Lifting weights:

Engaging in weight-lifting activities without proper form or overexertion can strain the muscle tendons around the elbow, leading to pain. 


Repetitive motions:

Jobs or activities that require you to make repetitive hand and arm movements, such as typing, painting, or playing a musical instrument, can contribute to overuse injuries, causing persistent elbow pain. 


Possible diagnosis:

Dr. Siddharth Paddia, of UCLA Medical Center created an excellent video explaining the condition of elbow pain and possible new treatments.

Tennis elbow:

Commonly associated with repetitive gripping or wrist extensions, tennis elbow results in inflammation of the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, it can affect people who do not play tennis. 

Golfers elbow:

Golfer’s elbow is characterized by pain in the inner side of the elbow, often caused by repetitive flexion and gripping activities. It can affect not only golfers but also those engaged in various occupations or sports. 

Like so many other conditions related to tendons, joints and muscles, treatment and solutions for tennis and golfer's elbow are very similar:

Rest and Ice:

Giving the elbow adequate rest and applying ice can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Physical therapy:

Targeted exercises and stretches prescribed by a physical therapist can strengthen the affected muscles and improve flexibility. 

Braces and Splints:

Wearing a brace or splint can provide support to the affected elbow, reducing strain on the injured tendons. 

Anti-inflammatory Drugs:

Over-the-counter drugs like Advil or Ibuprofen can help manage the pain and inflammation associated with tennis and golfer's elbow allowing temporary relief. 


Corticosteroid Injections:

In severe cases, a healthcare professional may suggest Corticosteroid Injections to reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief. 


If you've been experiencing persistent elbow pain for a few weeks and over-the-counter remedies aren't providing relief, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional. Visit PainDocNearMe to find physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of elbow pain.
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