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Tendonitis
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) -- Inflammation of the
tendons causing pain over the outside of the elbow,
occasionally with warmth and swelling, but always with
local tenderness. The elbow maintains its full range of
motion, as the inner joint is not affected, and the pain can
be particularly noticed toward the end of the day.
Repeated twisting motions or activities that strain the
tendon typically elicit increased pain.
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow) -- Inflammation at the point where the tendons of the forearm attach to the
bony prominence of the inner elbow. This tendon can
become strained in a golf swing, but many other repetitive
motions can injure the tendon. Golfer's elbow is
characterized by local pain and tenderness over the inner
elbow. The range of motion of the elbow is preserved
because the inner joint of the elbow is not affected. Those
activities which require twisting or straining the forearm
tendon can elicit pain and worsen the condition.
Olecranon Bursitis -- Inflammation of the bursa at the tip
of the elbow. Can occur from injury or minor trauma, as a
result of systemic diseases such as gout or rheumatoid
arthritis, or can be due to a local infection. It is typically
associated with swelling over the tip of the elbow, while
range of motion of the inner elbow joint is maintained.
Sprain/Strain
Arthritis of the Elbow
-- Inflammation of the elbow joint (arthritis) can occur as a result of
many systemic forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, gouty
arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and reactive
arthritis (formerly called Reiter's disease). Generally, they are
associated with signs of inflammation of the elbow joint, including
heat, warmth, swelling, pain, tenderness, and decreased range of
motion. Range of motion of the elbow is decreased with arthritis of the
elbow because the swollen joint impedes the range of motion.
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
-- The ulnar nerve is the "funny
bone" nerve which travels between the tip of the elbow
and the inner elbow bone. At this site it can be "pinched"
by normal structures or swollen structures after injury.
This pinching is referred to as entrapment. When ulnar
nerve entrapment occurs, numbness and tingling of the
little and ring finger of the hand may be felt. Pain may
occur in the entire forearm, usually the inner side. Hand
dexterity can be affected. Sometimes, the numbness is
reproduced by elevating the hand.
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