One of the most common reasons that people visit the doctor is because of pain. Many people encounter some of the most common pain, such as elbow pain. Elbow pain can be caused by a number of things, including injury, overuse, and arthritis. Whatever the cause, elbow pain can be a real pain to endure. If you've been dealing with serious elbow pain for months, it's important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Some common causes of elbow pain include:
- Injury: If you've suffered an elbow injury, such as a fracture or sprain, it's likely that you'll experience some pain.
- Overuse: If you use your elbow too much, you can put stress on the joint and cause pain.
- Arthritis: Arthritis causes inflammation of the joints, which can lead to pain.
Depending on the cause of your elbow pain, there are a number of treatments that can help relieve the pain. These include:
Elbow Pain for Months
Persistent elbow pain can be debilitating and frustrating. If you've been experiencing elbow pain for months, it's important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
- Injury: sports, accidents
- Overuse: repetitive tasks
- Arthritis: inflammation, stiffness
- Tendonitis: overuse, repetitive movements
- Bursitis: inflammation of fluid-filled sacs
- Cubital tunnel syndrome: nerve compression
- Radial tunnel syndrome: nerve compression
- Ulnar nerve entrapment: nerve compression
Treatment options for elbow pain vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Common treatments include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery.
Injury: sports, accidents
Elbow pain can be caused by a variety of injuries, both sports-related and accidental. Some common causes of elbow pain from injuries include:
- Fractures: A fracture is a break in a bone. Elbow fractures can be caused by a direct blow to the elbow or by a fall.
Details: Symptoms of an elbow fracture include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity. Treatment typically involves immobilization of the elbow in a cast or splint, followed by physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength.
- Dislocations: A dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its normal position. Elbow dislocations can be caused by a fall or a direct blow to the elbow.
Details: Symptoms of an elbow dislocation include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity. Treatment typically involves relocating the bone back into its proper position, followed by immobilization and physical therapy.
- Ligament sprains: Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones together. Elbow ligament sprains can be caused by a fall or a direct blow to the elbow.
Details: Symptoms of an elbow ligament sprain include pain, swelling, and bruising. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), followed by physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength.
- Muscle strains: Muscles strains are tears in muscle tissue. Elbow muscle strains can be caused by overuse or a sudden injury.
Details: Symptoms of an elbow muscle strain include pain, swelling, and bruising. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), followed by physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength.
If you have elbow pain from an injury, it's important to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Overuse: repetitive tasks
Overuse is a common cause of elbow pain, especially among people who perform repetitive tasks at work or during sports. When you overuse your elbow, you put stress on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that surround the joint. Over time, this stress can lead to pain, inflammation, and other problems.
Some common activities that can lead to elbow pain from overuse include:
- Typing
- Using a computer mouse
- Playing tennis or golf
- Lifting heavy objects
- Working on an assembly line
If you do any of these activities frequently, it's important to take breaks throughout the day to rest your elbow. You should also make sure to use proper technique when performing these activities to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your elbow joint.
If you have elbow pain from overuse, there are a number of things you can do to relieve the pain and prevent it from getting worse:
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate your elbow pain. This may mean taking a break from work or sports for a few days.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack to your elbow for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Compression: Wear a compression bandage or sleeve to help reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Keep your elbow elevated above your heart as much as possible.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to help relieve pain and inflammation.
If your elbow pain is severe or does not improve with home treatment, see a doctor. You may need physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or surgery to treat your condition.
Arthritis: inflammation, stiffness
Arthritis is a common cause of elbow pain, especially among older adults. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints. This inflammation can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is a degenerative condition that occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time.
Details: Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the elbow. Symptoms of elbow osteoarthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling. Treatment typically involves pain relievers, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints.
Details: Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the elbow. Symptoms of elbow rheumatoid arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue. Treatment typically involves disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and physical therapy.
- Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that is associated with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin.
Details: Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including the elbow. Symptoms of elbow psoriatic arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, and skin changes. Treatment typically involves DMARDs, corticosteroids, and physical therapy.
- Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body.
Details: Gout can affect any joint in the body, including the elbow. Symptoms of elbow gout include sudden, severe pain, swelling, and redness. Treatment typically involves medications to lower uric acid levels and pain relievers.
If you have elbow pain and suspect that you may have arthritis, see a doctor for a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and prevent further damage to the joint.
Tendonitis: overuse, repetitive movements
Tendonitis is a common cause of elbow pain, especially among people who perform repetitive tasks at work or during sports. Tendonitis is a condition that causes inflammation of a tendon, which is a thick band of tissue that connects muscle to bone.
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): Lateral epicondylitis is a type of tendonitis that affects the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow.
Details: Lateral epicondylitis is common in people who play tennis, but it can also be caused by other activities that involve repetitive use of the forearm muscles, such as painting, carpentry, and lifting heavy objects. Symptoms of lateral epicondylitis include pain on the outside of the elbow, tenderness to the touch, and difficulty gripping objects.
- Medial epicondylitis (golfers elbow): Medial epicondylitis is a type of tendonitis that affects the tendons that attach to the inside of the elbow.
Details: Medial epicondylitis is common in people who play golf, but it can also be caused by other activities that involve repetitive use of the forearm muscles, such as typing, using a computer mouse, and playing the guitar. Symptoms of medial epicondylitis include pain on the inside of the elbow, tenderness to the touch, and difficulty gripping objects.
- Biceps tendinitis: Biceps tendinitis is a type of tendonitis that affects the tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the elbow.
Details: Biceps tendinitis is common in people who lift weights or do other activities that involve repetitive use of the biceps muscle. Symptoms of biceps tendinitis include pain in the front of the elbow, tenderness to the touch, and difficulty bending the elbow.
- Triceps tendinitis: Triceps tendinitis is a type of tendonitis that affects the tendon that attaches the triceps muscle to the elbow.
Details: Triceps tendinitis is common in people who play tennis, volleyball, or other sports that involve repetitive use of the triceps muscle. Symptoms of triceps tendinitis include pain in the back of the elbow, tenderness to the touch, and difficulty straightening the elbow.
If you have elbow pain and suspect that you may have tendonitis, see a doctor for a diagnosis. Treatment for tendonitis typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the affected muscles and tendons.
Bursitis: inflammation of fluid-filled sacs
Bursitis is a condition that causes inflammation of a bursa, which is a small, fluid-filled sac that helps to reduce friction between bones, muscles, and tendons. There are two bursae in the elbow that can become inflamed: the olecranon bursa and the radial bursa.
Olecranon bursitis: Olecranon bursitis is the most common type of elbow bursitis. It is also known as "student's elbow" or "preacher's elbow" because it is often caused by leaning on the elbow for long periods of time.
Radial bursitis: Radial bursitis is less common than olecranon bursitis. It is caused by inflammation of the bursa that lies between the radius bone and the tendon of the triceps muscle.
Symptoms of elbow bursitis can include:
- Pain over the affected bursa
- Swelling
- Tenderness to the touch
- Redness
- Warmth
- Difficulty bending or straightening the elbow
Treatment for elbow bursitis typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as over-the-counter pain relievers. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be necessary to reduce inflammation. If the bursitis is caused by an infection, antibiotics will be prescribed.
Cubital tunnel syndrome: nerve compression
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inside of the elbow, is compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and forearm.
- Repetitive elbow flexion: Activities that involve repeated bending of the elbow, such as typing, using a computer mouse, or playing the guitar, can put pressure on the ulnar nerve and lead to cubital tunnel syndrome.
- Leaning on the elbow: Leaning on the elbow for long periods of time can also put pressure on the ulnar nerve and cause cubital tunnel syndrome.
- Trauma: A direct blow to the elbow or a fracture of the elbow bone can also damage the ulnar nerve and lead to cubital tunnel syndrome.
- Other conditions: Conditions that cause swelling in the elbow, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, can also increase the risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome can include:
- Pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and forearm, especially in the little finger and ring finger
- Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects or make a fist
- Elbow pain
- Swelling in the elbow
- A feeling of "pins and needles" in the hand and forearm
Treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome typically involves avoiding activities that aggravate the condition, wearing a splint to keep the elbow straight, and performing nerve glide exercises. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve.
Radial tunnel syndrome: nerve compression
Radial tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the radial nerve, which runs along the outside of the elbow, is compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the forearm and hand.
The radial nerve can be compressed by a number of factors, including:
- Repetitive elbow extension: Activities that involve repeated straightening of the elbow, such as lifting heavy objects or using a screwdriver, can put pressure on the radial nerve and lead to radial tunnel syndrome.
- Leaning on the elbow: Leaning on the elbow for long periods of time can also put pressure on the radial nerve and cause radial tunnel syndrome.
- Trauma: A direct blow to the elbow or a fracture of the elbow bone can also damage the radial nerve and lead to radial tunnel syndrome.
- Other conditions: Conditions that cause swelling in the elbow, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, can also increase the risk of developing radial tunnel syndrome.
Symptoms of radial tunnel syndrome can include:
- Pain, numbness, and tingling in the forearm and hand, especially in the thumb and index finger
- Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects or make a fist
- Elbow pain
- Swelling in the elbow
- A feeling of "pins and needles" in the forearm and hand
Treatment for radial tunnel syndrome typically involves avoiding activities that aggravate the condition, wearing a splint to keep the elbow straight, and performing nerve glide exercises. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the radial nerve.
Ulnar nerve entrapment: nerve compression
Ulnar nerve entrapment is a condition that occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inside of the elbow, is compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and forearm.
- Hitting the "funny bone": The ulnar nerve is located very close to the surface of the skin at the elbow. This makes it susceptible to injury, such as when you hit your "funny bone."
- Repetitive elbow flexion: Activities that involve repeated bending of the elbow, such as typing, using a computer mouse, or playing the guitar, can put pressure on the ulnar nerve and lead to ulnar nerve entrapment.
- Leaning on the elbow: Leaning on the elbow for long periods of time can also put pressure on the ulnar nerve and cause ulnar nerve entrapment.
- Other conditions: Conditions that cause swelling in the elbow, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, can also increase the risk of developing ulnar nerve entrapment.
Symptoms of ulnar nerve entrapment can include:
- Pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and forearm, especially in the little finger and ring finger
- Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects or make a fist
- Elbow pain
- Swelling in the elbow
- A feeling of "pins and needles" in the hand and forearm
Treatment for ulnar nerve entrapment typically involves avoiding activities that aggravate the condition, wearing a splint to keep the elbow straight, and performing nerve glide exercises. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about elbow pain that lasts for months:
Question 1: What are some common causes of elbow pain that lasts for months?
Answer 1: Some common causes of elbow pain that lasts for months include injury, overuse, arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, cubital tunnel syndrome, radial tunnel syndrome, and ulnar nerve entrapment.
Question 2: How can I tell if my elbow pain is serious?
Answer 2: If your elbow pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, bruising, or numbness, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Question 3: What are some things I can do to relieve elbow pain at home?
Answer 3: Some things you can do to relieve elbow pain at home include resting the elbow, applying ice, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and performing gentle stretching and strengthening exercises.
Question 4: When should I see a doctor for my elbow pain?
Answer 4: You should see a doctor for your elbow pain if it is severe, persistent, or does not improve with home treatment. You should also see a doctor if you have any other symptoms, such as swelling, bruising, or numbness.
Question 5: What treatments are available for elbow pain?
Answer 5: Treatment for elbow pain depends on the underlying cause. Common treatments include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and surgery.
Question 6: How can I prevent elbow pain?
Answer 6: You can help prevent elbow pain by warming up before exercise, using proper technique when lifting objects, and taking breaks during repetitive activities.
Question 7: What is the prognosis for elbow pain?
Answer 7: The prognosis for elbow pain depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. With proper treatment, most people with elbow pain can make a full recovery.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ: If you are experiencing elbow pain that lasts for months, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. With proper treatment, most people can make a full recovery.
Tips
Here are some tips for preventing and managing elbow pain that lasts for months:
Tip 1: Warm up before exercise. Warming up the muscles around your elbow before exercise can help to prevent injury.
Tip 2: Use proper technique when lifting objects. When lifting objects, keep your back straight and bend your knees. Lift with your legs, not your back. Avoid lifting objects that are too heavy for you.
Tip 3: Take breaks during repetitive activities. If you do repetitive activities that involve your elbows, take breaks throughout the day to rest your muscles and tendons.
Tip 4: Strengthen the muscles around your elbow. Strong muscles can help to stabilize the elbow joint and prevent pain. There are a number of exercises you can do to strengthen the muscles around your elbow, such as wrist curls, reverse wrist curls, and hammer curls.
Tip 5: Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can put extra stress on your elbow joints and increase your risk of developing elbow pain.
Closing Paragraph for Tips: By following these tips, you can help to prevent and manage elbow pain. If you are experiencing elbow pain, see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Conclusion
Elbow pain that lasts for months can be a frustrating and debilitating condition. However, there are a number of things you can do to relieve the pain and improve your range of motion.
If you are experiencing elbow pain, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment for elbow pain depends on the underlying cause, but may include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or surgery.
In addition to medical treatment, there are a number of things you can do at home to relieve elbow pain and prevent it from getting worse. These include:
- Resting the elbow
- Applying ice
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Performing gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
- Using proper technique when lifting objects
- Taking breaks during repetitive activities
- Maintaining a healthy weight
By following these tips, you can help to relieve elbow pain and improve your overall health and well-being.
Closing Message: If you are experiencing elbow pain that lasts for months, don't ignore it. See a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. With proper treatment, you can make a full recovery.