Elbow and arm injury guide
The elbow is a complex and crucial joint that connects the arm to the forearm, consisting of three bones: the humerus (located in the arm), the radius, and the ulna (in the forearm). This joint allows for fundamental movements such as flexion and extension of the forearm, as well as enabling rotation of the hand and forearm.
The arm, composed primarily of the humerus bone, is reinforced by muscles, tendons, and ligaments that provide movement and support. The combination of the elbow's functionality with the strength and mobility of the arm is essential for a wide range of daily activities, from lifting objects to performing precise movements.
The health of the elbow and arm is vital for maintaining mobility and for performing tasks without pain or discomfort. Therefore, it is important to prevent injuries and maintain the health of the elbow and arm through regular strengthening and stretching exercises, and to avoid repetitive movements or overloading with excessive weights.
Elbow and Arm Injuries: Common Pathologies
Elbow and arm injuries are common, especially due to repetitive movements, trauma, or overload.
Among the most frequent elbow injuries are lateral and medial epicondylitis, popularly known as tennis elbow and golfer's elbow, respectively, which are tendon inflammations caused by overuse. Tendonitis and bursitis are other common conditions, resulting from inflammation of the tendons and bursae, respectively. In the arm, humerus fractures can occur due to falls or direct impacts. Overuse injuries, such as tendonitis and nerve compression syndromes, are also frequent in activities that require repetitive movements.
Prevention of elbow and arm injuries includes adopting correct techniques during physical activities and performing strengthening and stretching exercises. In case of injury or persistent discomfort, it is essential to seek medical advice for a correct diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan, ensuring effective recovery and the prevention of future complications.
Learn about the most common elbow and arm injuries – causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Most frequent pathologies of the elbow and arm
Lateral epicondylitis
Lateral epicondylitis
Lateral epicondylitis is characterized by an injury caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and their respective tendons, which is why it is also known as tennis elbow. These muscles play a fundamental role in the flexion and extension of the forearm and in the movements of the wrist and fingers.
Symptoms
Pain or tenderness in the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow due to inflammation of the tendons. Pain when straightening or raising the wrist and hand, and greater intensity when lifting a heavy object. Pain when clenching the fist, holding an object without support, or rotating the wrist, such as when opening cans or turning doorknobs. Pain that starts at the elbow and radiates down along the forearm or up into the upper arm.
Risk Factors
Activities involving intensive use of the forearm extensor muscles (e.g., racket sports, tasks involving repetitive hammering or painting motions such as carpentry, mechanical work, poor posture at the computer, knitting, and other manual activities); ages between 30 and 50 years.
Protective Factors
Correct ergonomic posture during activities, whether in sports or at work; performing musculoskeletal stretching and warm-up exercises before starting sports or other activities involving muscular effort; applying ice to the elbow after exertion.
Treatment
Rest and the local application of ice for 15 to 20 minutes every 4 hours for 2 to 3 days are recommended, as well as stretching 1 to 2 times a day. The use of a brace-type orthosis reduces the strain on the inflamed tendon and, consequently, its fatigue and the pain caused during its use, promoting a faster recovery.
Medial epicondylitis
Medial epicondylitis
Medial Epicondylitis, also known as golfer's elbow, is characterized by inflammation or injury of the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle of the humerus, the arm bone located on the inner side of the elbow, affecting the inner part of the elbow.
Symptoms
Pain on the inner side of the elbow, which may radiate to the forearm and wrist, and may worsen with movements involving wrist flexion or forearm rotation; weakness in the hand and difficulty grasping objects, especially if the condition is on the side of the dominant hand.
Risk Factors
Sports involving repetitive forearm movements such as golf or tennis; professions requiring repetitive movements, such as typing or manual labor; more common in older age.
Protective Factors
Practicing sports or manual labor with proper, ergonomic technique that involves less strain on the tendons; Use of appropriate and ergonomic sports and manual or professional equipment that protects against injury; Rest and recovery time for muscles and tendons after intense activities; Forearm muscle strengthening exercises can help prevent injuries; Use of appropriate and ergonomic sports and manual or professional equipment that protects against injury.
Treatment
Rest and ice, and sometimes painkillers; stretching and strengthening exercises; using a forearm splint or brace can help reduce tendon overload; In rare and severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, also known as ulnar neuropathy, is characterized by the compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inside of the elbow, and is responsible for the sensation of discomfort in the outer part of the hand and the little and ring fingers.
Symptoms
Tingling in the little and ring fingers, weakness in the hands, especially when performing a pinching motion or gripping objects, and, in some cases, elbow pain.
Risk Factors
Keeping the elbow bent for long periods, such as when talking on the phone or sleeping with the arm bent; activities involving repetitive elbow movements, such as bending and straightening the arm; individual anatomy, as some people may have an anatomy that makes the nerve more susceptible to compression; underlying conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or obesity.
Protective Factors
Avoiding prolonged awkward positions of the elbow, and in this context, correcting posture when sitting or working to minimize pressure on the elbow; proper rest and relaxation.
Treatment
Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms and adjusting posture during those activities; using braces or splints that keep the elbow in a straighter position can help reduce nerve compression; specific exercises can strengthen muscles and improve posture; analgesic medication; and in severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective, medical and/or surgical evaluation.
Information: All information contained herein is a mere summary for a general understanding of the conditions, highlighting their definition, symptoms, risk factors, protective measures, and treatment options.
Consulting a specialized healthcare professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.