Our elbows are interesting joints due to the fact that we can bend, straighten and twist them in all sorts of directions. Due to these movements, the elbow joint is not as stable and can be prone to injury or damage, causing elbow pain.

Elbow pain is quite often caused from overuse and can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. Occasionally elbow pain can be due to arthritis.

There are many causes that can be the culprit for elbow pain. Below you will find some of the most common:

Dislocated elbow: You may experience a dislocated elbow with pain when one of the bones which forms the elbow gets knocked out of place.

Fractured elbow: An elbow fracture occurs when one of your arm bones breaks at the elbow, causing pain. Typically this happens suddenly and is common sports contact or a car accident. Be mindful that even after an elbow fracture, you may be able to move it. Although, if it doesn’t look right and you’re in pain, it’s a possibility your elbow is broken. Which in that case, you need to seek medical attention.

Elbow strains & sprains: When a muscle gets stretched too far, this is called a strain. When it’s ligaments get stretched too far, it’s a sprain. Either one can cause elbow pain. These are very common in athletes who throw, use rackets or play contact sports.

Bursitis: Bursitis is typically caused by repeating the same motion over and over again. Although, it is possible to get bursitis from an infection or an accident. Bursa is sacs of fluid which are in your joints to help cushion your tendons, bones, and muscles. It is common that this condition is treated with pain medication and to heal within a few weeks.

UCL Injury: A torn UCL is no fun and usually results in excruciating elbow pain. Pitchers, golfers, tennis players, quarterbacks, and any sports which involves overhead motions are typically susceptible to a UCL injury. Damage to the UCL usually requires reconstructive surgery. Sadly, the surgery is followed by a very long recovery period of 12-18 months.

Tennis elbow and golfers elbow: Both tennis and golfers elbows are types of tendinitis, which is swelling from overuse. Although, it's understandably mistaken that golfers and tennis players will at some point get these conditions, that is not the common reason for these injuries. One of the main differences between these two conditions is that tennis elbow affects the outer part of your elbow, while golfers elbow affects the inner.

Trapped nerves: Just as carpal tunnel syndrome, you can have similar nerve issues with your elbow. Cubital tunnel syndrome happens when one of the main nerves in your arm gets squeezed as it goes through the inside of your elbow and passes through tissue called cubital tunnel. Another nerve condition which affects your elbow is called radial tunnel syndrome, which is described as a similar issue as cubital tunnel syndrome just passing through the radial tunnel near your elbow instead of the cubital.

Tendon rupture: A tendon rupture at the elbow is uncommon, although possible and can be a very serious issue if left untreated. Typically they are caused by a sudden injury and are often the cause for arm weakness.

Arthritis: There are several types of arthritis which can affect your elbow, but the main ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when your elbow cartilage breaks down over time, which causes the bones to rub together and can lead to elbow pain. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks your body healthy tissue and causes swelling in your joints.

Osteochondritis Dissecans: This disease is most often found in children and teenagers and occurs when a piece of bone near the elbow dies. After the bone dies, the bone piece and some cartilage then break off. It is Typical for this disease to cause pain during physical activity.

Gout: This disease occurs when uric acid builds up as crystals in your tissues. If the buildup happens in your elbow, it can be extremely painful.

Depending on the pain level of your injury will often result in what treatment method you should take. Always ice your elbow after an injury. Your doctor will recommend any additional treatment options such as physical therapy and injections.