Solriche

Elbow Joint Injuries

Contents.

Introduction

Along with other joint injuries, elbow joint injuries are very common amongst professional gardeners. This article is an overview of the causes, symptoms and the treatment of the elbow injuries commonly known as tennis and golfers elbow. Please note that this article is intended as a guide only, no guarantees are made in regards to its accuracy. As with any other medical condition or injury, the advice of a professional should be sought as quickly as possible. Other causes of joint pain include arthritis and tumours, so be safe not sorry!

Back to contents.

Types of injury.

Injuries to the elbow joints fall into three basic categories;

  1. Tennis elbow known as lateral epicondylitis. This is injury to the outer part of the elbow.
  2. Golfers elbow known as medial epicondylitis. This is injury to the inner part of the elbow.
  3. Bursitis. Damage to the fluid sac that provides lubrication for the joints.

Back to contents.

About the elbow joint

There are three bones that make up the elbow joint. If the arm is laid along the leg with the palm facing upwards, they are;

  1. The humerus, this is the upper arm bone.
  2. The radius, this bone is the outer part of the forearm and is attached to the humerus by the lateral epicondyle. The outer part of the elbow joint that this forms is the lateral epicondylitis. Damage to the tendons attaching the extensor muscle to the humerus is called extensor carpi radialis brevis, otherwise known as tennis elbow.
  3. The ulna, this bone is the inner part of the fore arm and supports the flexor/pronator muscles which are attached to the humerus at the medial epicondylitis. Damage to the ulna collateral ligament is usually known as golfers elbow.

Back to contents.

Symptoms.

  1. Tennis elbow. The outer part of the elbow is painful and also tender to touch. Movements of the elbow, and also movements which involve lifting, with the hand on top, are painful. The loss of strength and pain can make simple tasks such as picking up a cup difficult.
  2. Golfers elbow. The inner part of the elbow is painful and also tender to touch. Movements of the elbow, and also movements which involve lifting, with the hand underneath, palm upwards, are painful.
  3. Bursitis, more accurately known as olecranon bursitis. When the bursa sac in the elbow joint is inflamed it causes pain behind the elbow. Movement of the fore arm becomes painful.

Back to contents.

Causes.

All the above conditions can be caused by over use of the muscles attached to the elbow joint, direct impact, jarring, incorrect lifting of heavy objects and twisting. Bursitis can be caused by leaning on hard objects such as tables for long periods of time. Problems with pinched nerves in the neck can contribute to pain in the elbow.

Back to contents.

Cure.

The pain usually lasts for 6 weeks to 12 weeks, sometimes as little as 3 weeks. Failure to treat the injury adequately can result in long term damage or require surgery. Apply ice to the affected area when the injury occurs. Stop the activity that has caused the injury, rest the arm completely until the pain disappears. A course of massage to relieve tension in the muscles can then be undertaken. This should be backed up with strengthening exercises. Other treatments, depending on the severity of the injury, can include anti-inflammatories, steroid injections and surgery. Support braces can be very useful for restricting the range of arm movement and muscle flexation. Currently braces take the form of bands that are placed around the upper forearm on or near the elbow joint. Be aware that these types of bands can restrict circulation and slow the healing process. Warning: Incorrect bracing can aggravate the injury.

Back to contents.

Prevention.

Always warm up before sustained activities. There are a couple of exercises that can be done to reduce the possibility of injury or re-injury;

  1. With your elbow bent and your palm facing downwards, repeatedly bend your wrist. Stop if you feel any pain.
  2. With your arm fully extended and the palm facing outwards, hold the top part of the fingers and gently but firmly pull them back towards the body. Stop if you feel any pain.
  3. Lift objects, especially heavy objects, with the palms facing the body.
  4. Modify the action that caused the injury.

Back to contents.

Gary Hollands. October 2004, revised January 2005.

Solriche