The elbow is critical to moving your arm, and elbow problems can have a serious impact on your life. According to Dr. Thomas Souza in his book "Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor Protocols and Algorithms," the elbow is prone to repetitive overuse injuries. Stiffness in the elbow can lead to limited range of motion and therefore affect the ability of the elbow and upper arm to function correctly.
Anatomy of the Elbow Joint
The elbow is a hinge joint; according to the textbook "Anatomy of Human Movement Structure and Function," it is responsible for shortening and lengthening the upper limb. The elbow is surrounded by a fibrous capsule, ligaments and muscles that help stabilize the area. Blood vessels and nerves run through the area and can be injured by trauma which can affect elbow function.
Movements of the Elbow Joint
The hinge joint of the elbow provides two types of movement at the elbow: flexion, which brings the hand closer to the shoulder, and extension, which moves the hand away from the shoulder. The elbow's stability is due to the collateral ligaments, the joint surface shape and the muscles that cross the joint.
Normal Range of Motion of the Elbow Joint
The range of motion of the elbow consists mainly of flexion and extension. A very small amount of rotation occurs in the elbow during forearm supination and pronation, according to "Anatomy of Human Movement Structure and Function." The elbow can flex the arm about 145 degrees actively; if someone else stretches the joint, it can achieve about 160 degrees of flexion. Extension only exists after flexion has occurred. The normal range for extension is listed as 0 degrees, according to "Anatomy of Human Movement Structure and Function;" movement occurs but is dependent on flexion occurring first. This is a result of the elbow's bony anatomy, which blocks extension. In the case of a hyperextension injury, a small degree of extension exists at the elbow.
Causes of Stiffness and Pain in the Elbow
According to Medline Plus, elbow pain and stiffness can be caused by arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, strains of elbow muscles, and in serious cases, dislocation. These conditions cause pain in the area that restricts movement and causes stiffness in the muscles. As the pain and stiffness progress, elbow range of motion decreases and the function of the upper extremity declines.
Home Care
Medline Plus recommends home care including ice and using a strap or brace during aggravating activities. Ice decreases inflammation and therefore decreases pain. As the pain levels improve, it is important to perform gentle range-of-motion exercises to activate the stiff muscles. If the pain, stiffness and range-of-motion problems do not improve with home care, seek the opinion of a professional.
References
- "Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor Protocols and Algorithms Third Edition"; Souza TA; 2005
- "Anatomy and Human Movement Structure and Function"; Palastanga N, Field D, Soames R: 2006
- Medline Plus: Elbow Pain
