Why does my elbow hurt?
While there are many different causes for elbow pain, several of the most common etiologies can be elucidated with just two simple questions: 1) Where exactly does it hurt? 2) How do you spend your days?
Let’s see how it works. Place your arms down by your sides with your palms facing forward. Does the elbow hurt more on the Inside, outside, or back?
If the pain is located on the Inside, you may have a condition called Medial Epicondylitis, or Golfer’s elbow. This condition occurs as a result of overuse of the tendons that cause your forearm and hands to flex. This is most commonly seen in golfers, machinists, seamstresses, really any profession that requires flexing the arm repeatedly.
If the pain is located on the Outside, you may have a condition called Lateral Epicondylitis, or Tennis elbow. This condition occurs as a result of overuse of the tendons that cause your forearm and tendons to extend. This is most commonly seen in Tennis players (backhand swings), other racket sports, machinists, woodworkers, and other common trades.
If the pain is located on the back of the elbow, you may have a condition called Olecranon Bursitis. This condition results from continuous pressure being applied to the forearms for extended periods of time. This is most commonly seen in Plumbers, Floorers, Roofers, and other common trades.
Now that I know what it is, how can I fix it? Be sure to ask your doctor about the treatment plan that works best for you. Most commonly rest, ice, and heat along with a combination of NSAIDs and Physical Therapy will relieve the pain