Common Types of Elbow Injuries

The elbow is a complex joint that permits extension and flexion of the lower arm. It also permits the rotation of the wrist and hand. The elbow is actually the junction of 3 bones: the humerus, the radius, and ulna bones.

Common Elbow Injuries

There are variety of ways you can injure your elbow. Let’s take a look at some of these ways and how orthopedic doctors typically treat them.  You will notice some of the most common injuries are named after sports. This is because the injuries are often incurred by athletes who play those sports. However, the injuries are not exclusive to athletes. There are a lot of people who do not play sports but still incur these injuries because their hobbies, activities, or occupations require similar movements to that of sports. 

Pitcher’s Elbow – Also referred to as Little League elbow, Pitcher’s elbow is an injury caused by excessive throwing motions often used in sports such as baseball or softball. Not only does Pitcher’s elbow cause pain, it can also interfere with the motion of the elbow which influences performance. Most cases of Pitcher’s elbow are treated through rest and non-surgical treatments. 

Golfer’s Elbow – This is a type of cumulative trauma injury in which the tendons that attach to the inner elbow degenerate. Golfer’s elbow is caused by repetitive motions that are similar to swinging a golf club. It causes pain that radiates from the elbow and down the forearm. Most cases of Golfer’s elbow can be treated through rest and non-surgical treatments. However, in some cases, the tendon degenerates significantly and needs surgery to fix.

Tennis Elbow – Tennis elbow is the deterioration of the tendon that attaches to the bone on the outside of the elbow. This is an overuse injury most common when the movements of hitting a ball with a tennis racket are repeated too often. Tennis elbow is most often treated through rest, physical therapy, and pain medications. 

Fracture – A fracture refers to when a bone breaks due to too much force being applied to it. The elbow is made of up the humerus, ulna, and radius bones. If one of these bones is fractured, it can cause a lot of pain, swelling, and immobility. Fractures are often treated using immobilization using splints, casts, and slings, pain medications, and physical therapy. In the situation where the fracture is significant or the bone is broken into multiple pieces, surgery may be required to fix the damage.

Elbow Pain Relief in Colorado Springs, Colorado

If you are suffering from elbow pain or have suffered an elbow injury recently, it’s important for you to see a doctor immediately. If left untreated, elbow injuries can cause a lot of unnecessary pain and become more complex and difficult to treat. The experts at the Colorado Center for Orthopedic Excellence have a wealth of knowledge, training, and experience treating every type of orthopedic injury and would love to help make you feel better. Make an appointment by calling (719) 623-1050 or request an appointment online.