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Elbow

Elbow

The elbow is a complex joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Overuse, strain, or injury can lead to persistent elbow pain, affecting mobility and daily activities. Understanding the root cause is essential for effective treatment.

Common Causes of Elbow Pain

Icon Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Inflammation of the tendons on the outer elbow due to repetitive arm motions.

Icon Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, often caused by overuse.

Icon Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear damage leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion.

Icon Elbow Bursitis: Swelling and inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) near the elbow.

Icon Fractures & Dislocations: A break or misalignment of elbow bones causing severe pain and swelling.

Icon Tendinitis: Inflammation of elbow tendons, often due to repetitive movements.

Key Symptoms of Elbow Injuries

Icon Pain: Sharp, burning, or aching discomfort, especially with movement.

Icon Swelling & Redness: Visible inflammation around the joint.

Icon Stiffness: Difficulty bending or straightening the elbow.

Icon Weakness: Reduced grip strength and arm function.

Icon Tenderness: Sensitivity when touching the elbow.

When to Seek Medical Help?

If elbow pain persists, worsens, or limits your daily activities, consulting an orthopeadic specialist is crucial. Early diagnosis can prevent long-term damage and improve recovery.

Treatment Options for Elbow Pain

Icon Non-Surgical Treatments: Rest, ice therapy, medications, physical therapy, and braces.

Icon Minimally Invasive Procedures: Corticosteroid injections or PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy

Icon Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, arthroscopic or open surgery may be required to repair damaged tissues.

Get Expert Elbow Care at Mahiclinic

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Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition affecting the tendons that connect the forearm to the inner elbow. It occurs due to repetitive strain and overuse, leading to micro-tears in the tendons. Despite its name, this condition isn't limited to golfers—it can affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping or wrist movements.

Causes of Golfer’s Elbow

Icon Overuse of forearm muscles responsible for gripping, flexing, and rotating.

Icon Damage to the tendons controlling wrist and finger movements.

Icon Improper lifting, throwing, or hitting techniques.

Icon Repetitive use of tools like screwdrivers, hammers, or while raking and painting.

Icon Lack of warm-up before sports or exercises.

Icon Poor wrist strength, making tendons more vulnerable to injury.

Symptoms

Icon Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow.

Icon Pain radiating into the forearm and wrist.

Icon Discomfort that worsens with gripping or wrist movements.

Icon Stiffness in the elbow, making it difficult to make a fist.

Icon Weakness in the hands and wrists.

Treatment Options

Icon Rest & Activity Modification – Avoid repetitive stress to allow healing.

Icon Cold Compress/Ice Packs – Helps reduce pain and inflammation

Icon Physical Therapy – Stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm

Icon Elbow Brace – Provides support and prevents further strain.

Icon Corticosteroid Injections – Reduces severe inflammation and pain

Icon Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – Uses growth factors to promote tendon healing

Icon Surgery (For Severe Cases) – Removal of damaged tissue or tendon repair

The best treatment plan depends on the severity of the condition and individual needs.

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Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. While commonly associated with tennis and other racquet sports, it can also affect individuals involved in repetitive gripping, lifting, or manual work. The strain leads to small tears in the tendon, resulting in pain and inflammation on the outer side of the elbow.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

Icon Sports Injury – Repetitive motions in tennis, badminton, cricket, or weightlifting.

Icon Repetitive Strain – Frequent lifting of weights, household chores, or occupational tasks.

Icon Improper Gripping Technique – Incorrect hand positioning while playing sports

Icon Aging – Weakening tendons and muscles with age increase susceptibility

Icon Arthritis – Osteoarthritis and other joint conditions may contribute

Icon Direct Trauma – A fall or a direct blow to the outer elbow can trigger symptoms

Symptoms

Icon Pain on the outer side of the elbow, especially when gripping objects.

Icon Pain that radiates into the forearm and wrist.

Icon Weak grip strength, making tasks like shaking hands or opening jars difficult.

Icon Difficulty in driving, lifting objects, or performing household chores.

Icon Tenderness and discomfort when pressing the affected area.

Treatment Options

Icon Cold Compress Helps reduce inflammation and pain

Icon Elbow Brace Provides support and prevents further strain

Icon Pain Management NSAIDs as prescribed by a doctor

Icon Physical/Occupational Therapy - Strengthening and stretching exercises

Icon Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy - Stimulates tendon healing

Icon Surgery (For Severe Cases) - Removal of damaged tendon tissue

A personalized treatment plan is essential to ensure optimal recovery. Consult our specialists to determine the best approach for your condition.

Whether you need conservative therapy or surgical intervention, our goal is to restore mobility, relieve pain, and help you regain full function.

Book a consultation today to explore the best treatment options for you.

FAQ

How are elbow disorders diagnosed? +
Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Physicians assess the patient’s symptoms, activity history, and movement limitations. Advanced imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs help identify structural issues and confirm the diagnosis.
What are the treatment options for elbow disorders?+
Treatment depends on factors such as age, activity level, severity of symptoms, and underlying medical conditions. Common treatment options include:
- Activity modification and rest
- Physical rehabilitation and physiotherapy
- Pain relief through oral analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Minimally invasive or surgical intervention for severe cases
When is surgery necessary for elbow conditions?+
Surgery is recommended when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. If pain, stiffness, or instability persist despite non-surgical treatments, surgical intervention may be required to restore function and relieve discomfort.
What is the recovery process after elbow surgery?+
Recovery varies based on the type of surgery and individual health factors. Typically:
- Immobilization using a sling or brace for initial healing (around 6 weeks)
- Gradual physical therapy to restore strength and mobility
- Full recovery may take anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on the complexity of the procedure
What is the success rate of elbow surgery?+
Elbow surgeries have high success rates, especially when performed by experienced orthopeadic surgeons. Proper post-operative care, including physiotherapy and rehabilitation, significantly enhances recovery outcomes and long-term joint function.

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