Sports Elbow Injuries
An orthopaedic surgeon who will give the best care possible.
Do you play a racquet sport or golf? Are you involved in weightlifting, throwing, swimming or bodybuilding? Do you suffer from elbow pain during your sports activities or in everyday life?
If the answer is yes, you could have a sports injury of the elbow.
Sports Injuries of the Elbow Explained
In simple terms, overuse causes sports injuries of the elbow. Repetitive extension, strong biceps contractions or twisting and extending the wrist can cause injuries.
Some sports injuries of the elbow affect the extensor tendon on the outside of the elbow. Others affect the tendon on the inside of the elbow. In the case of posterior impingement, the cartilage and bone in the elbow become inflamed. Sometimes pieces of cartilage break loose and float in the joint, causing inflammation and pain.
Common Elbow Conditions Caused by Playing Sport
A repetitive extending and twisting motion causes the extensor tendon on the outside of the elbow to become inflamed. Sometimes other conditions have similar symptoms and only an experienced doctor is able to diagnose the condition.
Read more about tennis elbow causes, symptoms and treatment.
Golfer's elbow is a lot like Tennis Elbow, but the tendon on the inside of the elbow suffers inflammation.
The distal biceps tendon attaches to the radius bone in the elbow. When the tendon becomes worn from overuse, it can rupture, causing pain in the elbow. The biceps muscle can also retract to the upper arm, creating a prominent bump.
This condition occurs during repetitive extension of the elbow. Straightening the elbow causes pain at the back of the elbow and locking or clicking may occur.
Elbow dislocation needs urgent treatment and may be associated with other injuries such as fractures and instability. Elbow dislocations cause complex conditions that may need ongoing treatment.
Depending on the type of injury, non-surgical treatment may be tried first.
These treatments may include:
- Using anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling.
- Resting the injured elbow, especially in the case of repetition injuries.
- Using a strap or splint to support and immobilise the injury site.
- Physiotherapy treatments.
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and swelling.
Some conditions such as a distal biceps rupture, need surgery without delay.
Do you have these symptoms?
Sports injuries of the elbow are usually painful and have some distinctive symptoms.
If you recognise any of these, it’s important to seek treatment. Early intervention can save you from permanent damage.
- Tenderness and pain when applying pressure to the outside of your elbow.
- Pain when lifting a heavy object.
- Pain when shaking hands or clenching your fist.
- Sharp pains that radiate from your elbow down to your hand, or up your arm.
- Weakness in your elbow and forearm.
- Clicking or locking of your elbow (may be painful).
- Pain or weakness when trying to grip objects.
- Aching elbow when you’re resting or sleeping.
- Pain when stretching out your fingers.
Have you tried our…
Elbow pain self assessment tool?
How Dr James McLean can help
Dr James McLean provides consultation and various treatments for a wide variety of elbow conditions in Adelaide.
With his extensive experience in treating upper limb conditions, he works with his patients to create tailored treatment plans which yield the best possible outcomes for their injuries.
Click here for more information on other conditions involving the shoulder, hand, wrist, and elbow which Dr James McLean has a special interest in treating.