Forearm and elbow pain can be caused by injury or other medical conditions. Elbow pain may be associated with repetitive movements required by participation in sports or occupational activity. Pain in the forearm or elbow that prevents a person from moving or bending the arm should be examined by a physician.
Injury
Injury to the elbow or forearm area can result in slight to severe pain. A slam, bend or sudden impact against the elbow or forearm can cause bone to break or muscle and other connective tissue to tear. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, a tear or pull of muscles and tendons in the forearm can cause pain in the hands, elbow or upper arm. Most of these muscles work together, so any type of injury can affect nearby tissue. Usually a strain or sprain in the forearm muscle or elbow joint can be treated at home with ice and rest. A break, on the other hand, requires immediate medical attention.
Tendinitis
Sometimes tendons located in or near the elbow or forearm become inflamed, causing local pain. Tendinitis occurs when the tendons become swollen, inflamed and irritated. It can result from injury, repetitive motion or overusing a particular muscle group or from aging, when the tendons gradually lose their elasticity. Any movement or action that puts prolonged repetitive stress on the muscles of the forearm can cause tendinitis. The most common symptoms of tendinitis are pain, tenderness and an increase of pain through movement of the affected extremity.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome develops when any type of prolonged activity puts pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Since the median nerve acts as a sensory nerve and provides signals for movement to other muscles in the arm, it's common to experience pain in the forearm and elbow area. According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome is pain that radiates or extends from the wrist, up through the arm and toward the shoulder. This pain may also run down into the palm and fingers. Fortunately, most mild to moderate cases are easily treated by cutting back on the activity that caused it and taking frequent breaks.
References
- "American Council on Exercise Personal Trainers Manual"; Cedric X. Bryant; 2003
- "ACSM's Resources for the Personal Trainer"; American College of Sports Medicine; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tendinitis
- Mayo Clinic: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
