The Elbow

Your elbow joint is made up of bone, cartilage, and ligaments. Muscles and tendons help the elbow joint move. When any of these structures is hurt or diseased, you can experience problems with your elbow.

One of the most common causes of elbow pain is tendinitis,  which is an inflammation or injury to the tendons that attach muscle to bone. Tendinitis of the elbow is usually related to overuse and common in sporting activities such as tennis, golf, or bowling. The elbow can also be injured in contact sports such as hockey and football, and from falls sustained during gymnastics and wrestling.

Other causes of elbow pain can include sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, bursitis and arthritis. The treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition.

Treatment for elbow disorders may include rest, medicines, physical therapy, or in rare cases, surgery. A physical therapist may suggest a variety of treatments, including exercises to increase the flexibility and strength of the elbow, and to restore the range of motion. You may also benefit from massage, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, or the application of heat or cold. A physical therapist can design a program specifically for you, based on your condition.