Injuries of the arm and elbow are classified into lateral elbow pain (on the outer side of the elbow), medial elbow pain (inside the elbow), posterior elbow pain (at the back portion of the elbow), acute elbow injuries (sudden pain), forearm pain and upper arm injuries.
The most common reason for pain on the outside of the elbow is the Tennis elbow.
Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.
Lateral Elbow Pain
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a commonly used term to describe pain on the outside of the elbow. But various other causes lead to lateral elbow pain. These reasons should be considered along with acute elbow injuries such as fractures and ligament sprains.
Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow is a commonly used term to describe outer elbow pain. It frequently occurs due to tendon swelling or degeneration in the wrist extensor muscles as they connect with the elbow.
Radial Tunnel Syndrome
Radial tunnel syndrome, also known as radial nerve entrapment, occurs when the radial nerve gets restricted or compressed within the tunnel that it passes through.
Medial Elbow Pain
Medial elbow pain occurs in the inside of the elbow. In general, the onset of the pain is gradual and due to overuse. However, it can also happen because of an acute injury, especially in throwers. The most common name given to this condition is thrower’s elbow or golfer’s elbow. It refers to the swelling or degeneration of the flexor tendon.
Golfer’s elbow
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is an injury brought about by overuse similar to the tennis elbow. However, it leads to pain on the inside of the elbow rather than the outside.
Medial Elbow Ligament Sprain
This condition happens due to a tear to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) located on the inside portion of the elbow. It may occur unexpectedly due to an impact, accident, or even repetitive overuse due to, say, poor throwing technique.
Posterior Elbow Pain
This pain occurs at the back of the elbow and may be acute. It can manifest suddenly or slowly over time. The patient may experience a chronic elbow injury after an acute injury which has not been addressed appropriately or remains unhealed.
Elbow Bursitis – Students Elbow
Elbow bursitis (also called students elbow or olecranon bursitis) leads to swelling of the bursa. The bursa protects the bone at the back of the elbow.
Olecranon Fracture
The olecranon process refers to the bony prominence at the back of the elbow on the ulna forearm bone. This fracture typically occurs due to a direct fall or impact on a bent elbow.
Forearm Pain
Forearm pain can be acute (sudden onset) and may involve radius or ulna bone fractures. Nerve impingements or overuse of the wrist can cause the gradual onset of forearm pain.
Upper Arm Pain
A common upper arm injury is a fractured humerus (broken bone). But bicep and tricep strain may also occur. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas.
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