A meeting point for three different bones, the elbow joint has very little cushioning to protect it from injury. The knobby end of the humerus bone forms the upper part of the elbow joint, while the cup-like ends of the radius and ulna bones form the lower part. Several tendons and ligaments weave between the bones to support the elbow joint, while multiple muscles cross the elbow to allow movement. Although complete collapse of the elbow joint during exercise is unlikely, several other elbow injuries can cause feelings of instability and pain.
Elbow Fracture
An elbow fracture occurs when one of the bones in the elbow joint cracks or breaks. This type of injury typically occurs to the olecranon, the cup-shaped end of the ulna that makes up the bony point of the elbow. However, a fracture can occur on any of the three bones in the joint. Such fractures generally occur after a direct blow to the elbow. Along with an immediate sense of instability and intense pain, elbow fracture symptoms include swelling, bruising and tenderness near the elbow. Typically, you will be unable to straighten or move the joint without pain.
Elbow Dislocation
Among the many types of injuries, an elbow dislocation may feel most similar to a collapse of the elbow joint. When an elbow dislocation occurs, the bone surfaces completely separate from one another. The injury often involves significant damage to the ligaments and tendons that support the joint. During a simple dislocation, the bones move out of position, yet remain uninjured. During a complex or severe dislocation, however, the bones are severely injured. The injury is relatively uncommon, often occurring only after falling onto an outstretched arm. Along with intense pain, shoulder dislocation causes an obvious physical deformity at the elbow joint. Additional symptoms include swelling and reduced range of motion.
Biceps Tendon Rupture
Within the elbow joint, the biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to a small bony prominence near the end of the radius. During exercise, the biceps tendon can tear when the elbow is forced to straighten against heavy resistance or heavy weight. A complete tear splits the biceps tendon into two pieces, while a partial tear does not quite sever the tendon. When the biceps tendon tears, the biceps muscle detaches from the elbow joint and recoils toward the shoulder. Although the injury might not feel like a collapsed joint, intense pain and weakness in the elbow joint will occur. Additional symptoms include swelling and bruising. You might also notice bulging skin in the upper arm were the recoiled biceps muscle sits.
Other Elbow Injuries
Exercise can cause a variety of other injuries to the elbow joint. Although these injuries do not feel like a collapsed joint, they can be quite painful. Additional elbow injuries include tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, olecranon bursitis and tendinitis. Most of these are treated through rest, ice and massage therapy.
References
- Sports Injury Clinic: Elbow Anatomy
- Southern California Orthopedic Institute: Anatomy of the Elbow
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Elbow (Olecranon) Fractures
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Elbow Dislocations and Fracture-Dislocations
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Biceps Tendon Tear at the Elbow
- Body Results: Common Elbow Injuries
