The elbow is a joint that connects the forearm to the upper arm and helps it bend. Think about how often we use our arms throughout the day. These repetitive motions make elbow injuries quite common! Trauma could result in pain when lifting objects and decreased range of motion. What could have caused the elbow issue?
Types of Elbow Pain
You’ve likely heard the term “tennis elbow” or “golfer’s elbow” and may think these injuries are exclusive to playing sports. While athletes often experience elbow injuries, the condition is more broadly categorized as “tendinitis” and can affect anyone who repeats an arm motion. A few examples include warehouse workers, musicians and carpenters.
What causes tendinitis? There are a couple factors to consider:
- Small tears in the tendons and connective tissue, which lead to scar tissue
- Calcium deposits on the tendons, which disrupt the body’s normal processes
The injured area becomes inflamed and pressure pinches the nerves that run through the elbow. Symptoms of tendinitis include:
- Pain in the bony spur and below the bend of the elbow
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain when bending the arm, lifting and grasping objects
Chronic tendinitis is often the result of repetitive stress or traumatic impact. When healthy tendons lose collagen, a critical protein for joint health, flexibility in the elbow is reduced. Other common causes of elbow pain include:
- Bursitis – fluid-filled sacs that cushion our bones become inflamed
- Osteoarthritis – protective cartilage that cushions our bones degenerates
- Strain – muscles are stretched or torn, often the result of lifting too heavy
- Trapped Nerves – a pinched nerve along the inside of the elbow passes through tissue
Chiropractic for the Elbow
To evaluate the cause of your condition, our doctors will first look for elbow misalignment. Subluxations can put undue stress on the elbow joint and lead to tendinitis. Beyond the joint in question, we’ll also look at other areas of the body critical to elbow function. For instance, the wrist and shoulder, which both have nerve pathways running to the elbow. Gentle adjustments and rehabilitative exercises may be utilized to restore optimal function.
Treatment of Athletes
We have years of experience working with injured athletes. Our chiropractors can identify, treat and help prevent chronic issues from recurring. For instance, Little League pitchers who overuse their throwing arm should make sure they stretch often, have proper rest between games and play their sport in the safest way possible.
Work with our team at The Chiropractic Health Center of Glastonbury to treat tendinitis and other causes of elbow pain. To make an appointment, contact us today!
