Chronic elbow injuries usually result from repetitive sports injuries, inflammatory conditions and/or trauma. Chronic means greater than two weeks in duration. Patients experience recurrent pain, stiffness and/or loss of range of motion of the elbow.
Tennis Elbow
According to MayoClinic.com, tennis elbow--also called lateral epicondylitis--is an overuse injury that can affect the outer part of the elbow. Due to repeated contraction of the forearm muscles against resistance, it commonly occurs in tennis players, especially those who attempt repeated backhand strokes using poor technique. It can also occur with many common activities like carrying a heavy suitcase and stretching the elbow ligaments. Pain occurs on the outer part of the elbow and can involve the forearm and wrist.
Golfer's Elbow
Golfer's elbow--also called medial epicondylitis--is an overuse injury that can affect the inner, or medial part of the elbow and is due to repeated wrist flexion. According to MayoClinic.com, golfer's elbow has similarities to tennis elbow, but occurs on the inside, instead of the outside of the elbow. Golfer's elbow most commonly occurs in 200 to 49-year-old men. It can also occur in tennis players who repeatedly use their wrists or clench their fingers.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament
According to Sports-injury-info.com, baseball pitchers can sprain the ulnar collateral ligament, located in the medial elbow. It is the primary stabilizer of the elbow. Repetitive, forceful overhead throwing most commonly causes injury.
Reconstruction of the ulnar collateral ligament involves a surgical procedure, in which the sprained ligament is replaced with a tendon from another part of the body. The surgery is named in honor of Tommy John, a Dodger's baseball pitcher who in 1974 underwent the first successful operation.
Ulnar Fracture
According to OrthoInfo.aaos.org, the top part of the ulna, also known as the olecranon, positioned directly under the skin of the elbow has little protection from muscles or soft tissues. The olecranon can easily break due to a direct blow to the elbow or a fall on a bent elbow. Even after the fracture has healed, motion of the elbow can be limited. In most cases, the patient cannot fully straighten his arm. In addition, a hairline fracture of the olecranon can cause arthritis symptoms may years later.
