Why Do I Have So Much Pain in My Elbow?

Whether it’s sharp pain when lifting or a persistent ache that won’t go away, elbow pain can be a major obstacle in your daily life. Finding effective relief starts with pinpointing the cause, and Full Orthopedics Urgent Care in North Miami Beach, Florida, is here to help you find answers.

Our team specializes in urgent care, and we have the expertise and equipment on-site to diagnose your elbow pain. Here are some of the most common causes of elbow pain and how we can help you find relief.

Common causes of persistent elbow pain

Your elbow is a complex hinge joint that connects your upper arm bone (humerus) to two forearm bones (radius and ulna). It allows you to bend and straighten your arm and rotate your forearm. It enables a wide range of movements, but it's susceptible to pain — whether from an injury or age-related wear-and-tear.

A few of the most common causes of elbow pain are:

Cubital tunnel syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when your ulnar nerve, which runs through the cubital tunnel on the inside of your elbow, gets compressed or irritated. This condition often causes numbness or tingling in your ring and pinky fingers, along with pain and weakness in your elbow.

Activities that involve prolonged elbow bending, like leaning on a desk or holding a phone, can exacerbate symptoms. Without proper treatment, cubital tunnel syndrome can get worse, but addressing it early helps avoid more serious symptoms.

Tennis elbow

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is a repetitive strain injury that affects the tendons on the outside of your elbow. This condition isn’t limited to tennis players; any repetitive wrist or arm movement, including typing, can lead to this condition.

Tennis elbow often presents with pain and tenderness on the outer part of your elbow, especially when you try to grip or lift. Left untreated, it can make even simple tasks like shaking hands or opening a jar unbearably painful.

Golfer’s elbow

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a similar repetitive strain injury, but it affects the tendons on the inside of your elbow. It’s often caused by overuse or improper technique in activities that involve wrist flexion, like swinging a golf club or lifting weights.

Symptoms include pain, swelling, and weakness on the inner side of your elbow. Sometimes, pain can radiate down to your forearm and wrist. Rest, physical therapy, and targeted treatments can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage.

Arthritis

Arthritis in your elbow, particularly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause significant pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis results from wear-and-tear over time, leading to the breakdown of cartilage that cushions your bones.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in your joints. Both types of arthritis can severely impact your range of motion and quality of life if left unmanaged.

How orthopedic urgent care can help

If elbow pain is interfering with your daily routine, a visit to our orthopedic urgent care clinic can provide you with quick answers and fast relief. Our experienced team assesses your symptoms, reviews your medical history, and performs any necessary imaging, like X-rays or MRIs, to pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort.

We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs, which can include:

• Rest and activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections
• Braces or splints to support your joint

There’s no need to endure ongoing elbow pain and the frustration it can bring. With the right diagnosis and care, you can start your journey to relief. Schedule an appointment at Full Orthopedics Urgent Care today. Call our office, check in online, or stop by anytime (we take walk-ins).