Minor arm and elbow injuries are common. Symptoms often develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse, or an injury. Injuries are often caused by sports, hobbies or work-related tasks.
The Elbow
The elbow is both a hinge and pivot joint that allows a person to bend, extend, and rotate the arm. It connects the end of the upper arm bone (distal humerus) to the bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) with ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
The two bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) fit into the ends of the upper arm bone like a hinge, forming the elbow joint. The upper arm bone (distal humerus) flares out to form the medial and lateral epicondyles. Some of the forearm muscles attach to the upper arm bone.
The olecranon is the large bump of the ulna behind the elbow joint. It forms the bony prominence of the elbow and connects with the triceps muscle of the upper arm.
At one time or another, most people have had an elbow problem that may have caused pain or swelling. Elbow problems can be minor or serious and may include symptoms such as pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, weakness, or changes in temperature or color. Home treatment often can relieve minor aches and pains.
Conditions that may cause elbow symptoms
- Osteoarthritis may cause pain that is worse in the morning but improves during the day. Other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and lupus, can also affect the elbow.
- A pinched nerve can cause elbow pain with numbness and tingling.
- A problem elsewhere in the body, such as a heart attack, can cause referred pain in the elbow.
Overuse elbow problems
Most people may not remember having a specific injury when their symptoms get worse over time, but overuse problems are actual injuries. They occur when too much stress is placed on a joint or other tissue, often when you overdo an activity or repeat an activity over and over. Overuse injuries include:
- Bursitis. Swelling behind the elbow may be olecranon bursitis (Popeye elbow).
- Tendinosis, which is a series of microtears in the connective tissue in or around the tendon.
- Soreness or pain felt on the outside (lateral) part of the elbow may be tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). This is the most common type of tendinopathy that affects the elbow and most often is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles. This overuse may occur during sports, such as tennis, swimming, golf, and sports involving throwing; jobs, such as carpentry or plumbing; or daily activities, such as lifting objects or gardening.
- Soreness or pain in the inner (medial) part of the elbow may be golfer's elbow. In those who participate in sports that involve throwing, the same elbow pain may be described as Little Leaguer's elbow.
- Ulnar nerve compression, which is the pinching of the ulnar nerve in the elbow joint. This usually occurs with repeated motions.
Treatment for an elbow problem may include first aid measures, application of a brace, splint, or cast, physical therapy, or medicine.
The Arm
Arms are frequently injured during sports or from accidental falls. Chances of having an injury is higher in contact sports, such as wrestling, football, or soccer, and high-speed sports, such as biking, in-line skating, skiing, snowboarding, and skateboarding. Forearms, wrists, hands, and fingers are the injured most often.
Older adults have a greater chance for injuries and broken bones because they lose muscle mass and bone strength as they age. Older adults also have more problems with vision and balance, which increases their chances of having an accidental injury.
Most minor injuries will heal on their own, and home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve symptoms and promote healing.
Overuse injuries in the arm
Overuse injuries occur when stress is placed on a joint or other tissue, often by "overdoing" an activity or repeating the same activity. Overuse injuries include:
- Pain and swelling of the sac of fluid that cushions and lubricates the joint area between one bone and another bone, a tendon, or the skin (bursitis).
- Pain and swelling of the tough, ropelike fibers that connect muscles to bones (tendinitis).
- Pain and swelling from tiny tears (microtears) in the connective tissue in or around the tendon (tendinosis). Other symptoms of this type of tendon injury include loss of strength or movement in the arm.
- Hairline cracks in bones of the arm (stress fracture).
- Pressure on nerves in the arm, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatment
Treatment for an arm injury may include first aid measures (such as using a brace, splint, or cast), physical therapy, medicines, and in some cases surgery. Treatment depends on the location, type, and severity of the injury, when the injury occurred and your age, health condition, and activities (such as work, sports, or hobbies).