Most of elbow pain occurs due to overuse injuries. Many sports, hobbies and jobs require repetitive arm movements. Elbow pain may occasionally be due to arthritis, but generally, elbow joint is much less prone to degenerative changes than are many other joints.
Common causes of elbow pain are given below:
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Student’s Elbow
Tennis Elbow
Outer epicondyle of the elbow (Lateral epicondyle) gets inflamed and tender is called tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis. It occurs due to inflammation of the tendons which join forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle. Inflammation occurs due to repetitive and rigorous activities of the arm which results in pain and tenderness.
It is commonly seen in Tennis player who use repetitive use of the extensor muscles of the forearm can cause acute or chronic tendonitis of the tendinous insertion of these muscles at the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. It is also seen in carpenters and other laborers who overuse arm.
Causes:
- Repetitive strainful activities
Symptoms:
- Pain, tenderness and inflammation at the outer part of the elbow
- Morning stiffness
- Pain with lifting movements or wrist movements
Student’s Elbow or Olecranon Bursitis
There is a bursa (a small Fluid filled sac) at the elbow joint which facilitate the movements of the elbow easily. Injury causes bursa inflamed. It causes pain, redness and inflammation at the elbow.
Causes:
- Acute injury like hitting on a wall
- Minor repetitive injuries (like repetitive computer work involving leaning on one's elbow)
Symptoms:
- Pain, reddish and inflamed elbow
- Warm on touch
- Restricted movement
Golfer’s Elbow
Inner epicondyle of the elbow (Medial epicondyle) gets inflamed and tender is called Golfer’s elbow or Medial epicondylitis. It occurs due to inflammation of the tendons which join forearm muscles to the Medial epicondyle. It is similar with Tennis elbow in many ways. Epicondylitis is much more common on the lateral side of the elbow (tennis elbow), rather than the medial side.
Causes:
Some specific movements of arm results in tendons stressed.
- Playing Golf
- Throwing any object (Baseball, bowling in cricket etc.)
- Rock climbers
Symptoms:
- Pain, tenderness and inflammation at the inner side of the elbow
- Pain increased with movement, relieved by rest.
Common Ayurveda Treatment for Elbow Pain:
- Rest
- Swedana
- Agnikarma
- Lepa
- Herbs that improve healing
- Leech therapy
- Anti inflammatory Herbs
