Introduction
After waking up in the morning and before going to sleep at night, our elbows work continuously. All these works can cause various kinds of pains in elbows. Inner elbow pain is one of them. Any kind of injury or irritation to the muscle, ligament, nerves or bone can cause inner elbow pain.
Causes of Inner Elbow Pain
Inner elbow pain can happen because of many reasons. Some common causes are-
- Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Flexor Tendonitis
- Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury
- Osteoarthritis
- Fractures or Dislocations
- Bursitis
- Nerve Entrapment
- Tendon Strain
- Ligament Sprain
And many other reasons.
Common Elbow Injuries
These elbow injuries are a very common thing among athletics or individual people who engage in repetitive arm motions or over work.
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s elbow is a condition that results in pain at the point where the tendons of your forearm muscles connect to the bony prominence on the inside of your elbow. This discomfort can extend into your forearm and wrist.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow is also known as lateral epicondylitis. This is a condition that can result from overuse of the muscles and tendons in the elbow.
- Elbow Fractures
Elbow fractures can result from falls, twisting injuries, or blunt force trauma. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment options may include surgical or non-surgical methods.
Symptoms
Identifying the underlying cause of inner elbow pain is essential for effective treatment. There are few common symptoms of elbow injuries.
- Intense pain
- Swelling, and stiffness in the elbow
- Stiffness of the elbow
- Sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling in the affected area
- Numbness, tingling, and pain radiating from the elbow to the fingers
- Inability to move the elbow
Diagnosis and Tests
After any symptoms of elbow injuries you need to go to your doctor or healthcare provider. They will perform a few tests and do an examination of the injured place. These tasks may include –
- X-rays
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
- CT (computed tomography) scans.
- Musculoskeletal ultrasounds
How to Fix It
To fix inner elbow pain we need to go thorough few process like taking rest, self-care, medical treatment etc. here are few steps which we need to follow to fix the pain –
- Rest and Avoid Aggravating Activities
- Apply Ice
- Compression and Elevation
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
- Use of Elbow Brace or Support
- Physical Therapy
- Stretching and strengthening exercises.
When to See a Doctor
We can treat elbow pain by doing home remedies or exercises or resting. But at the same time we need to understand that when we need to go for a professional treatment.
If your elbow pain is severe or persistent, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. Other indicators that require medical attention include:
- Getting some difficulty while carrying items or using your arm
- An injury that causes a visible deformity in the joint
- Pain in the elbow all the time or while resting
- Noticeable swelling or bruising around the elbow
- Symptoms of infection, such as fever, redness, and warmth.
Prevention Tips
Although it’s not possible to prevent any kind of accidental injury, we can be more careful and there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk. For example:
- Wear suitable protective gear when engaging in sports.
- Exercise regularly to maintain optimal strength.
- Learn and use proper techniques while participating in sports.
- If possible, take precautions to lower your risk of falling.
Conclusion
Identifying the underlying cause of inner elbow pain is essential for effective treatment. If you experience persistent or severe elbow pain, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate management.
FAQ Section:
Q: Why does my elbow hurt when I bend it?
Any kind of injury or irritation to the muscle, ligament, nerves or bone can cause inner elbow pain.
Q: What are the common causes of inner elbow pain?
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow), Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Flexor Tendonitis, Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury, Osteoarthritis etc. are few common causes of it.
Q: What should I do if home remedies don’t alleviate my inner elbow pain?
If home remedies don’t alleviate your inner elbow pain, consult a healthcare provider.