Elbow pain can be caused by a variety of conditions and diseases including trauma or repetitive use. It can cause both acute pain and chronic pain.
Medial epicondylitis
Medial epicondylitis affects the inner tendons in the elbow. It is commonly called golfer’s elbow and little leaguer’s elbow. It is due to repetitive hand motions such as using a hammer and cause pain on the inside of the elbow. Triggers include wrist movements.
Lateral epicondylitis
Tennis elbow is another name for lateral elbow tendinopathy.It affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Playing racquet sports or working in certain professions that use the same sort of motion can cause this condition.
Professionals such as cooks, plumber, carpenters, autoworkers,and painters commonly experience lateral epicondylitis.
Symptoms such as pain or burning occur along the outside of the elbow. You also may experience problems with gripping.
Olecranon bursitis
Common names for olecranon bursitis are student’s, miner’s or draftsman’s elbow. Bursitis affects bursae, small sacs of fluid that help protect the joints. Olecranon bursitis affects the bursae protecting the pointy bone of the elbow. It may be caused by an infection, leaning on the elbow for a prolonged period of time, trauma to the elbow, and arthritis. The symptoms include pain, swelling, difficulty moving the elbow.
You can develop osteoarthritis of the elbow, experience a dislocation or fracture from a fall, trauma to the ligaments and tendons, and partial tears.
Osteochondritis dissecans
Osteochondritis dissecans is also called Panner’s disease, and occurs when small pieces of cartilage and bone become dislodged in the elbow joint. It’s often the result of a sports injury to the elbow and is most often seen in young men. Acute pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, trouble extending the arm, and a feeling that the joint is locking could indicate this condition. It’s always best to see pain management doctors for troubling symptoms.