You might call the area around your elbow your “funny bone,” but there is nothing funny about elbow pain. Your elbow is a joint between your upper and lower arm. Because it is in such a critical location, this joint will cause intense pain if it is injured or overused.
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
- Bursitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Dislocation
- Fracture
- Sprain
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Tennis Elbow
Bursitis In The Elbow
Bursae are thin sacs of fluid that act as cushions between the bones and tendons surrounding various joints in your body (including your hips, shoulders, and elbows). When these are inflamed due to injury, infection, or overuse, the condition is bursitis. If you suffer from bursitis, you will need to rest the painful joint, apply ice packs, and take pain medication. If at-home remedies do not help, you can visit a physical therapist for further care.
Osteoarthritis — Therapy Can Help
Osteoarthritis is a condition that results from damaged cartilage. This may happen due to an injury or from regular everyday use. Physical therapy is an excellent treatment for this ailment. You may also need to rest and take over-the-counter medication.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease that causes painful inflammation and swelling in your joints. You may find that maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly helps to alleviate the symptoms. Regular physical therapy can be beneficial.
Dislocation — Recover Well With Physical Therapy
Often caused by a fall, a dislocation is when joint bones are pushed out of their normal alignment. You will need to see a physician to put the bones back into place. Physical therapy can help to alleviate the pain and get you back to your normal life.
Physical Therapy Can Get Your Range Of Motion Back After A Sprain
Stretched or torn ligaments are called sprains. They cause redness, bruises, swelling, and pain. Treating a sprain usually involves wearing a sling. Depending on the severity of the damaged ligament, you may need surgery. A physical therapist can help you regain movement.
Golfer’s or Tennis Elbow — Not Just For Those In Sports
Although not limited to athletes, these two common conditions have sporty names. Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) describes pain that is located where your tendons join your forearm muscles to the inside of your elbow. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) causes pain in the outer portion of the joint. Treatments for these maladies include anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections. A physical therapist can help you get back into action.
Physical Therapy For Elbow Pain
If you are experiencing pain, schedule an appointment with Centennial Sports & Physical Therapy in Spokane, Washington. Elbows are just one of our specialties: we treat many conditions, from arthritis to carpal tunnel to broken bones. We develop an individualized plan to help you stop the pain and move freely again.
