Elbow Pain
Roughly 1% of VIDA users experience elbow pain. Even though this percentage might appear small, this kind of discomfort can have a considerable impact on everyday activities like eating and getting dressed.
Whether you’re someone into racquet sports or weightlifting or you work in a busy office, you may be at risk of developing elbow pain. This article will help you understand why elbow pain develops, which anatomical structures are affected and how to manage the pain and prevent it from happening in future.
Did you know?
One of the most common causes of elbow pain is "tennis elbow" or lateral epicondylitis, which involves a painful strain and microtears in the outside tendons of your elbow. While tennis players are particularly susceptible, anyone who performs repetitive elbow and hand movements is at risk.
How your elbow works
Your elbow consists of three bones and two main joints, the humero-ulnar and humero-radial. The first performs a hinge function allowing the bending and extending of your elbow. The second is a pivot joint that allows your forearm and hand to rotate. On both sides of your elbow, there are collateral ligaments that stabilise the bones and maintain the hinge function. The annular ligament keeps the head of the radius in place, allowing it to pivot freely.
There are 7 muscles locally at the elbow and 9 additional muscles that cross your elbow to move your wrist and hand, all of which help you perform daily functions using your arms like brushing your hair or turning a door knob.
Did you know?
Professional players like Tiger Woods have dealt with golfer's elbows. In 2013, he withdrew from the AT&T National due to left elbow tenderness, which initially surfaced at the U.S. Open.
What to do and not do?
When encountering elbow pain, it's important to avoid aggravating activities, repetitive hand movements, prolonged grasping motions, or complete inactivity.
Instead, strive to achieve a balance by incorporating an appropriate amount of movement, beneficial exercises, and adequate rest to facilitate healing and recovery.
Things to do
Things to avoid
Common causes of
elbow pain
Elbow pain can stem from various causes, including conditions that affect your joints, bones, and soft tissues such as ligaments, muscles, and tendons. This includes muscle strain, repetitive strain injury and tendinitis, bursitis, nerve compression, dislocation and fractures.
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Did you know?
The nerve that runs close to the surface of your elbow bone is the ulnar nerve and is responsible for the "funny bone" and tingling sensation which happens when you accidentally bump your elbow.
Recovery, prevention, &
duration of pain
Managing elbow pain involves implementing suitable exercises, warming up properly if you play racquet sports, getting enough rest, and making lifestyle adjustments. Your VIDA Pain Coach program offers a variety of beneficial exercises specifically designed to aid in recovery and prevent further issues. However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise routine.
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​Elbow pain can vary in duration, with some people experiencing relief from mild discomfort within a few days or weeks, while others with more severe or chronic issues may endure discomfort for several weeks or even months. Leading a healthy lifestyle, including sufficient rest, a balanced diet, and stress management, can contribute to the recovery process and help prevent elbow pain.
Knowing when to seek help
While most elbow pain is easily managed at home, it is better to seek medical attention if your pain is severe and not improving or you have symptoms down your arm such as weakness, numbness or unusual tingling.