The elbow joint, which allows the arm to bend or straighten and the forearm to rotate inward and outward, is a complex connection often involved in sports injuries. Different joints have varying ranges of motion. Synovial joints are freely movable joints lubricated by the synovial fluid secreted inside the joint. The elbow, which moves in only one plane, forward and backward, is a modified hinge joint and a synovial joint. Individuals who are predominately left-handed can experience injury and pain in the left arm simply because they use that arm most often, but right-handed individuals can have similar pain.
Dislocation
A dislocation is the displacement of two normally opposing bone surfaces, and it is painful. In addition to severe pain and restricted movement, a dislocation causes swelling that makes the joint look misshapen. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a common site for dislocation is the elbow joint. Falling onto an outstretched hand or receiving a blow to the joint by an object such as a football or baseball, can cause a dislocated elbow. According to the MayoClinic.com, a dislocated elbow is a serious medical condition that can block the blood supply and nerve connections to the arm and hand.
Tendinitis
Individuals who participate in sports where they predominately use their arms can suffer from inflammation of a tendon, called tendinitis, usually caused by excessive friction between the outer surface of the tendon and a bone. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, tendinitis causes pain, tenderness and restricted movement of the muscle attached to the tendon.
Olecranon Bursitis
The olecranon, a bony projection at the tip of the elbow, is the site of olecranon bursitis, caused by trauma, prolonged pressure, infection or conditions such as arthritis and gout. Bursitis can also occur as a complication of joint deformity. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a physician may have to aspirate or remove the excess fluid to relieve the symptoms. If the condition is not serious, resting the arm for a few days will allow the excess fluid inside the bursa to be reabsorbed into the bloodstream. Covering the affected area with an ice pack and taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin can help ease discomfort and reduce inflammation.
Lateral Epicondylitis
Epicondylitis is a painful inflammation of one of the bony prominent areas that lie on each side of the elbow, often caused by overusing the forearm muscles. Pain in the left arm commonly occurs in predominately left-handed baseball and tennis players, but can occur on the right side as well for right-handed individuals. Using the wrist instead of the arm for follow-through overloads the muscles used to extend the wrist, causing pain in the upper and lower arm, wrist and elbow.
