Did you now the funny bone is not a bone, but a nerve? It is called the ulnar nerve and it runs along the inside of your elbow, which makes it vulnerable (in one specific spot) to incidental contact.
Most of the time, the ulnar nerve is protected by muscle, fat and bone, but when your elbow bangs up against the humerus, it’s no laughing matter due to immediate burning, tingling or electric shock felt in the elbow. Why so much pain? It’s because the ulnar nerve is reeling based on the compression of the nerve, so it’s ‘game-on’ for pain.
The good news is the pain is temporary in most cases, however, persistent or severe elbow pain signals a variety of other factors/issues, so it is important to recognize continuous pain, overuse, inflammation, deformity, etc.
Some common conditions include but are not limited to: Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow, Olecranon bursitis, tendonitis, infections, nerve compression, fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains and arthritis.
The challenge is most of the conditions mentioned often share similar symptoms, so it is important to identify what is the underlying cause and when it is time to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The following is a breakdown of the various conditions mentioned earlier:
Tennis Elbow (Lateral epicondylitis)
Pain on the outer side of the elbow, with wrist extension, gripping, lifting or grasping objects; pain that worsens over time – may radiate down forearm.
Weakness in the affected arm: weakness in your hand or wrist, particularly when trying to grip objects or perform activities that require strength.
Stiffness: stiffness in the elbow joint, especially after periods of rest or in the morning.
Golfer's Elbow (Medial epicondylitis)
Pain on the inner side of the elbow, with gripping or lifting/activities, flexion of the wrist, holding palm up, during certain activities – may radiate down forearm.
Weakness in the affected arm: may experience weakness in your hand or wrist.
Stiffness: stiffness in the elbow joint, especially after periods of rest or in the morning.
Olecranon Bursitis (bursitis of the elbow)
Swelling at the back of the elbow: most noticeable symptom is swelling at the tip of the elbow, which may be soft or firm to the touch.
Pain or tenderness, redness and warmth, limited range of motion.
Fever (in some cases): if bursitis is caused by an infection, you may experience systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, and malaise, which requires prompt medical attention.
Tendonitis
Pain along the affected tendon, which is often described as a dull ache or soreness. Tenderness around the affected tendon or when pressing on or near the tendon. Pain at rest.
Swelling: causing a visible or palpable bump or enlargement in the elbow region.
Stiffness, weakness.
Weakness: weakness in the affected arm or difficulty performing activities.
Crepitus: some individuals with tendonitis may experience a crackling or grating sensation, known as crepitus, when moving the elbow joint.
Bacterial/Viral Infections
Constant or intermittent pain in the elbow joint is typically severe and may worsen with movement or pressure on the affected area; swelling around the elbow joint is common.
Skin over the infected joint may feel warm to the touch; red or flushed skin.
May have fever or chills.
Limited range of motion; feeling of "looseness" in the elbow joint – seek immediate treatment.
Ulnar Nerve Compression (cubital tunnel syndrome)
Pain, numbness and tingling described as "pins and needles" or a sensation of "electric shocks," may occur in the fingers, hand, or forearm innervated by the compressed nerve.
Muscle weakness in the hand, fingers, or forearm.
Burning sensation in the affected area, particularly in the hand or fingers.
Sensitivity to touch. Difficulty with fine motor skills: tasks that require precise finger movements or coordination.
Radial Nerve Compression (radial tunnel syndrome)
Usually experience pain in proximal (inner side) forearm, without numbness or weakness.
Arthritis
Pain which comes in various forms - osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis is autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joint capsule, causing inflammation and eventually damage to the cartilage and bone.
Post-traumatic arthritis develops in a joint after an injury or trauma
Sprains/Strains
Pain is the primary symptom of an elbow sprain or strain, which may be sharp or dull and can vary in intensity depending on the severity of the injury. Swelling around the elbow joint may occur due to inflammation of the soft tissues.
Bruising.
Tenderness, stiffness, weakness, limited range of motion, instability.
Fractures/Dislocations
Severe pain: fractures or dislocations usually cause intense pain in the elbow area - pain may be sharp, throbbing, or constant, and it may worsen with movement or pressure on the affected arm.
Swelling, bruising, visible deformity, limited range of motion, inability to bear weight, numbness, tingling, weakness, instability.
As you can see, elbow pain that lingers past a ‘good whack’ is NOT funny, so it is critical to determine what symptoms are driving persistent or severe elbow pain. It could be nothing or it could be something significant. A consultation with an orthopedic specialist can help determine an early diagnosis and treatment. If you are experiencing pain that interferes with daily activities or various forms of exercise/athletic competition, please do not hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment with a specialist at McBride.
