Basketball involves a number of motions, used in both practice drills and during games, that involve repetitive movements of the elbow. If you lack appropriate conditioning or are overusing your elbows, you increase your risk of an injury. Muscle strains and the condition known as tennis elbow are common causes of sore elbows from basketball. Always consult your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Identification
If you strained the muscles surrounding your elbow during basketball, you'll experience pain, swelling and possibly bruising. You might have difficulties extending your elbow and have a limited range of motion with the elbow joint. Tennis elbow, known medically as lateral epicondylitis and not limited to injuries suffered on the tennis court, will have pain that radiates from the outside of your elbow into your forearm and wrist. The pain in your elbow may feel like a burning sensation and will make it difficult for you to grasp objects. The elbow pain from tennis elbow usually occurs in your dominant arm, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains.
Cause
Strains can occur from strenuous physical activity and are more likely to occur if you're pushing yourself above your own fitness level. A person with limited flexibility and who is playing basketball with cold muscles has an increased chance of an elbow strain. Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that results when the tendons of your forearm muscles become inflamed from repetitive motions, such as passing or dribbling a ball. Microscopic tears in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow can also result in pain from tennis elbow.
Treatment
Resting, icing, compressing and elevating are the initial steps you should take for an elbow injury that occurs during basketball. Strains are treated by icing the elbow for 15 minutes every hour during the first day, then every three to four hours until the fourth day, the MedlinePlus online medical encyclopedia reports. On the fourth day, switch to a heating pad. Elevate your elbow above the level your heart to reduce swelling. Discontinue playing basketball for several weeks and take an over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize discomfort. Your doctor may perform an X-ray or MRI and EMG scans to rule out arthritis, neck problems and nerve compression. Surgery may be needed if tennis elbow does not improve within a year; this will keep you off the basketball court for four to six months.
Prevention
Warm up your muscles for 10 to 15 minutes before basketball practice or a game by going for a walk or light jog. After you warm up, stretch your major muscle groups, making sure to hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds. Learn proper techniques for passing and shooting to reduce your risk of injuries to the elbows. Wear protective elbow pads and a forearm brace during basketball. Strength-train the muscles of your arms twice per week, on non-consecutive days.
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