The elbow is a hinge joint where the bones and muscles of the upper and lower arms meet. This joint, which can bend, flex and rotate, also contains tendons, ligaments and bursa, or fluid-filled sacs, that can become irritated or injured. Since the elbow joint is involved in many sports and everyday movements, it is susceptible to overuse. Becoming familiar with the common causes of elbow joint pain can help prevent injuries and keep the joint healthy.
Epicondylitis
Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, occurs when the tendons and muscles on the lateral or outside of the elbow become inflamed or injured. Medial epicondylitis, or golfer's elbow, occurs on the inside of the elbow joint. Both conditions are usually caused by overuse, states the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma. This condition is common in those who play tennis and golf as well as swimmers, gardeners, construction workers and others whose occupation or hobby requires excessive use of the elbow and wrist.
Elbow Bursitis
Bursitis in the elbow, or olecranon bursitis, occurs when the bursa become inflamed. These sacs normally reduce friction in the elbow joint. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, if there is a direct blow to the elbow or if the elbow is leaned on for long periods, these sacs can become inflamed. Bursitis can also be caused by an infection in the body that gets into the bursa or from another inflammatory condition.
Arthritis
The University of Washington points out that several kinds of arthritis can affect the elbow. One is osteoarthritis, which is a wearing away of the cartilage; this allows bones to rub against one another, causing pain and deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis leads to pain and stiffness by causing an inflammation of the lining of the elbow joint. Traumatic arthritis, which occurs after an injury, or septic arthritis, which is due to an infection, can both cause elbow pain.
Sprains
The ligaments that help to stabilize the elbow joint can become overworked or overstretched, leading to an elbow strain. The Aurora Health Care website claims that a grade-one sprain involves overstretching or slight tearing of the ligament. A grade-two sprain involves partial tearing of the ligament fibers. A grade-three is a serious injury in which the ligament tears completely. Ligament sprains are usually the result of overuse, improper training or weak and tight arm muscles.
