Do you have elbow pain? If you do, here are some of the reasons why!

Many elbow conditions are caused by overuse and sports injuries. Elbow problems are common in golfers, tennis players, and boxers.

Elbow disorders may involve any of the following:

• arm muscles
• elbow ligaments
• tendons
• bones in the arm
• bursae

The treatments for elbow disorders depend on the underlying cause. Now, talking about the types of elbow disorders, there are at least seven different types of elbow disorders and they are:

• Medial epicondylitis
  

Medial epicondylitis affects the inner tendons in the elbow and is commonly called golfer’s elbow and little leaguer’s elbow. The repetitive throwing motion used in baseball and the downward swing of a golf club are common causes.

Medial epicondylitis can also be the result of a repetitive hand motion, such as swinging a hammer every day at work. This disorder can cause pain along the inside of the elbow. Wrist movements in particular can trigger pain.

This condition usually improves with rest and conventional treatment methods, such as icing the area or using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Lateral epicondylitis
  

Another name for lateral elbow tendinopathy is tennis elbow.

It affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Playing racquet sports or working in certain professions that use the same sort of motion can cause this condition.

Professionals who commonly experience lateral epicondylitis include:

• cooks

• painters

• carpenters

• autoworkers

• plumbers

Symptoms such as pain or burning occur along the outside of the elbow. You also may experience problems with gripping.

These symptoms usually improve with:

• physiotherapy

• the use of a brace or tennis elbow strap

Olecranon bursitis

Common names for olecranon bursitis are:

• student’s elbow

• miner’s elbow

• draftsman’s elbow

Bursitis affects bursae, small sacs of fluid that help protect the joints. Olecranon bursitis affects the bursae protecting the pointy bone of the elbow.

It may be caused by:

• a blow to the elbow

• leaning on the elbow for a prolonged period of time

• infection

• medical conditions such as arthritis

Symptoms include:

• swelling

• pain

• difficulty moving the elbow

Redness and warmth may occur in the case of an infection.

Medication and elbow pads treat this condition. Surgery may be necessary in severe and chronic cases.