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Appointments: (905) 471-1000
What is Elbow pain?
Overuse or repeated pressure on the tendons near the elbow joint can overload these tissues, particularly where the tendon anchors to the bone. If overload occurs, it can cause pain around the elbow, particularly when using the wrist and hand. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, full recovery can take months.
The most common type of elbow pain is known as ‘tennis elbow’. ‘Golfer’s elbow’ is a less common, but similar overuse injury. Despite their names, these injuries can occur as a result of a range of physical activities – racquet sports, rowing, canoeing, weightlifting, hockey, wrestling, swimming – as well as repetitive work tasks undertaken in a variety of occupations.
What are the symptoms of Elbow pain?
- dull ache when at rest
- pain when making a fist (golfer’s elbow)
- pain when opening the fingers (tennis elbow)
- soreness around the affected elbow bump
- weak grip
- difficulties and pain when trying to grasp objects, especially with the arm stretched out.
What causes Elbow pain?
- lack of strength or flexibility in the forearm muscles
- lack of strength in the shoulder muscles
- instability of the elbow joint- may lead to dislocation
- poor technique during sporting activities (especially tennis and golf) that puts too much strain on the elbow joint
- inappropriate sporting equipment, such as using a heavy tennis racquet or having the wrong sized grip on a tennis racquet or golf club
- repetitive movements of the hands and arms, such as working on an assembly line
- continuously making the muscles and joint take heavy loads
- other factors such as neck symptoms or nerve irritation.
What are the treatments for Elbow pain?
If the symptoms don’t improve, or if you are prone to recurring bouts of elbow pain, see your doctor or physiotherapist. Treatment options may include:
- exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist to gradually strengthen the tendons
- soft tissue massage
- ice massage
- acupuncture
- taping or bracing your elbow
- anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication can help you cope with the pain, but do not improve long-term outcomes
- surgery – in severe cases, and if pain has not resolved within 12 months.
There is evidence that corticosteroid injections can be harmful in the longer term, so these are no longer recommended in most cases.
What happens if you leave it untreated?
Generally, the longer you have had the injury, the longer it will take to recover. Most of the time, you may assume things will get better by themselves with enough rest. But this is rarely the case, especially if your pain or other symptoms are stopping you from doing what you normally able to do. So, take action and get back doing what you love as soon as possible.