The Most Common Cause of Lateral Elbow Pain

 

Lateral elbow pain is a common condition that affects many people. It can cause significant discomfort and affect the daily routine of an individual. Many things can trigger lateral elbow pain, including trauma, overuse, or an underlying medical condition.

In this blog post, we will explore the most common cause of lateral elbow pain. We will also discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for this condition. If you are experiencing elbow pain, it is vital to seek the help of a qualified orthopedic surgeon. At Central Florida Bone and Joint Institute, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of elbow pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. Contact us for more information.

 

The most common cause of lateral elbow pain is lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow. It is a condition that affects the tendons on the outer part of the elbow. The tendons connect the muscles of the forearm to the lateral epicondyle, a bony bump on the outer part of the elbow. Tennis elbow occurs when these tendons become inflamed or damaged, leading to pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.

Tennis elbow typically occurs in people who perform repetitive activities that require gripping and twisting, such as playing tennis, gardening, or using a computer mouse. Symptoms typically include pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, weakness in the forearm, and pain that worsens with gripping or twisting activities. Treatment options for tennis elbow include rest, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Another common cause of lateral elbow pain is radial tunnel syndrome. It is a condition that occurs when the radial nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the radial tunnel, a narrow space in the forearm. The compression can cause pain, weakness, and numbness on the outer part of the elbow and the back of the hand. Radial tunnel syndrome typically occurs in people who perform activities that require repetitive and forceful forearm rotation, such as painting or typing. Treatment options for radial tunnel syndrome include rest, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery.

Other less common causes of lateral elbow pain include elbow sprains or strains, osteoarthritis, and bursitis. Elbow sprains or strains occur when the ligaments or muscles that support the elbow are stretched or torn. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage that cushions the bones of the elbow joint. Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones and tendons of the elbow joint. Treatment options for these conditions may include rest, physical therapy, medication, or surgery.

 

Conclusion

Lateral elbow pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, but tennis elbow is the most common cause. It is essential to seek the help of a qualified orthopedic surgeon if you are experiencing elbow pain. At Central Florida Bone and Joint Institute, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of elbow pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. If you're looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Orange City, FL, contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment. With proper treatment, you can experience relief from your elbow pain and resume your daily activities.