The elbow joint, which is involved in many everyday movements, is susceptible to overuse and injury. At your elbow joint, the bone of the upper arm, the two bones of the lower arm and the muscles in your arms all meet and are attached by various tendons. This formation allows your elbow to bend and rotate. All of this movement can leave you prone to injury, especially if your occupation or hobbies requires repetitive movement in the elbow joint. Tendons can become inflamed, and tendinitis can occur.
Identification
Tendons are tough fibrous tissues that connect muscle to bone. When you need to move, signals from your brain tell the muscles to contract and pull on the tendons. This, in turn, moves your bones. Your tendons also help to stabilize your joints as you move. In a joint such as the elbow, where there's a lot of movement, these tendons can become overworked, tight or overstretched. If this occurs, fibers in the tendons become irritated and inflamed. Chronic inflammation results in tendinitis. In severe cases, the tendon can even be torn or can rupture completely.
Causes
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, elbow tendinitis occurs due to repetitive motions and are often named after the sport that caused the pain. This includes tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. Tennis can strain the tendons located in the outer portion of the elbow joint; this is called lateral epicondylitis. Golf affects the tendons in the inner elbow joint; this pain is called medial epicondylitis. The NIAMS also says that "carpenters, gardeners, painters, musicians, manicurists, and dentists are at higher risk for these forms of tendinitis."
Diagnosis
The American College of Rheumatology says your doctor should take into account your history of symptoms and perform a physical exam to determine whether your elbow pain is caused by tendinitis. He'll palpate the area for signs of tenderness and move your elbow joint through various motions to see what sets off your symptoms and what makes them better. Your doctor can do manual tests called selective tissue tension tests to diagnose exactly which tendon is involved. MRIs can be used to see if the tendon is torn or ruptured. X-rays are useful only if there is a bone deformity causing your pain, or a severe rupture.
Treatment
The first stage of treatment is to reduce the pain and inflammation. This includes resting the area and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms. Using ice, compression, bracing and medications to control pain and inflammation can help. If your elbow doesn't respond to this, your doctor may inject corticosteroid medicine. You'll need a period of physical therapy and gentle exercise to help regain the use of your elbow and to learn how to avoid exacerbating your symptoms. The National Institutes of Health says that if there is a tear or rupture, one of various surgical techniques may be necessary.
Prevention/Solution
There are things you can do to avoid developing elbow tendon pain and reinjuring the area. Using good body mechanics and techniques help take stress off the joint. If a sport has caused your pain, talk with a professional instructor who can watch your form and make suggestions. Using gloves, padding, braces or tape may help you to move without placing strain on the elbow joint. Taking the time to warm up before activity and stretching out afterward is also necessary. Adding a strength training program for your arms and shoulders will reduce wear and tear on the elbow joint as well. According to the American College of Rheumatology, "Stretching and strengthening are very helpful to address any areas of muscle imbalance. At work or when exercising, proper posture and body mechanics are important. Proper conditioning of involved muscles is another component of treatment."
