Coronavirus (COVID-19): latest updates and how to get care. Or use the virtual assistant below right to check symptoms.
Your elbow joint consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, joint fluid, and cushioning structures called bursae. Injury or damage to any of these can result in elbow problems and pain. Elbow conditions are very common and typically resolve within a few weeks when treated.
Whether you have an elbow injury or would like to get tested for a condition, we can help. Find a Dignity Health doctor near you today.
The symptoms of elbow conditions and injuries include pain, tenderness, stiffness, limited range of motion, and crackling and popping sounds during movement. You may also notice swelling and warmth over and around the joint. For elbow dislocations and fractures, the joint may also look deformed.
Repetitive motion, overuse injuries, and sports injuries are common causes of many elbow conditions. These tend to be chronic and last several weeks, or come and go over time.
Less commonly, chronic diseases can lead to elbow pain. Elbow arthritis is one example of a degenerative disease of the joint, often arising as we age. Some cancers can affect the structures of the elbow joint as well. Trauma is the leading cause of dislocation and complete fractures.
Common elbow conditions and injuries that we treat at Dignity Health include:
Most elbow conditions are the result of trauma (such as injury from a fall or automobile accident) or overuse (such as from playing sports like golf and tennis). Other causes include:
Preventing elbow injury revolves around reducing risk factors. Here are some ways of lowering risk: