Common Elbow Conditions
Learn more about the elbow and some conditions we treat at Orthobridge Orthopedic Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
The tennis elbow is one of the most common elbow conditions experienced at different times in life.
This condition, commonly called tennis elbow, is an inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm to the elbow. The pain is primarily felt at the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow.
Inside the Elbow
An elbow joint is a complex group of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Lateral epicondylitis involves the extensor muscles, which control the extension of the wrist and fingers, and the extensor tendons, which anchor the muscles to the lateral epicondyle.
Causes
Lateral epicondylitis is caused by specific repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. The stress placed on the forearm by a tennis backstroke is a common culprit. This stress causes tiny tears to develop in one or more extensor tendons. This results in inflammation and pain.
Symptoms
This condition typically causes pain and tenderness that is centered on the lateral epicondyle. This pain may radiate along the forearm and wrist. The grip of the hand may feel weak.
Risk Factors
Lateral epicondylitis typically affects people between the ages of 30 and 50. It is a common complaint of athletes who play racquet sports, but certain occupations can also raise a person’s risk. This condition is common among plumbers, painters, carpenters, and butchers.
Treatment
Treatment options may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and stretching exercises. A physician may recommend an arm brace or wrist splint and physical therapy or massage therapy. Steroid injections or PRP injections may also provide relief.
Medial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury
This condition is an injury to the medial ulnar collateral ligament (MUCL), a ligament composed of three bands located on the inner side of the elbow. The MUCL connects the humerus to the ulna. Injury to the MUCL can cause pain, weakness, and sometimes a feeling of instability in the arm.
Causes
The medial ulnar collateral ligament is often injured by strenuous physical activity or sports that require repetitive motions, such as throwing a baseball or football.
These motions can put stress on the ligament, causing inflammation, tears, or, in serious cases, ruptures.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an injury to the medial ulnar collateral ligament can include sharp pain along the inside of the elbow joint, swelling, and weakness in the arm. Some patients may hear or feel a pop when moving the elbow.
Treatment
Treatment options can include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, a cold compress, or the use of a brace to stabilize the elbow. Severe tears or ruptures may require surgery.
Your orthopedic surgeon can provide you with a care plan best suited to your needs.
Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Elbow
Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow typically affect young athletes, especially those involved in throwing sports or gymnastics.
It occurs when a portion of the bone or its overlying articular cartilage is cut off from the blood supply, creating a “dead” area of bone and cartilage. It commonly affects the capitellum, where the humerus meets the radius.
Causes
Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow can result from the repeated stress of the joint. Young baseball pitchers are particularly susceptible. It may also result from an arterial blockage or from genetic factors. The exact cause is unknown.
Symptoms
Osteochondritis dissecans can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, swelling, weakness, loss of motion, and clicking or locking of the joint.
Treatment
Treatment options include rest, immobilization of the joint with a cast or brace, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy.
Surgery may be necessary if the dead area of bone and cartilage separates from the normal bone and is floating freely within the joint, or if normal symptoms are not relieved by rest and therapy.
Throwing Injuries of the Elbow
Throwing overhand again and again puts a lot of stress on your elbow. It can lead to injury. Young athletes, in particular, are at risk. Some play sports all year without learning how to throw properly. And, their bones are still growing.
Symptoms
If you have a throwing injury, you may feel pain in your elbow when you throw. Often, this pain is on the elbow’s inner side. You may not be able to throw as hard or as far. You may have numbness or tingling in your elbow, arm, or hand.
Treatment
Treatment depends on your particular injury and your needs. In many cases, a throwing injury can be treated without surgery. Your healthcare provider can create a care plan that is right for your needs.
Here’s how the elbow can be damaged
Soft Tissue Injury
In many cases, overhand throwing affects the inner side of your elbow. Bands of tissue called “ligaments” (which hold bones together) can be stretched or torn. So can tendons. These are bands of tissue that anchor your muscles to your bones. You may feel pain at the bony bump in the inner side of the elbow. This bump is called the “medial epicondyle.”
Bone Injury
Three bones come together at the elbow, and the ends of these bones are lined with cartilage. Repetitive throwing can cause these bones to bang or rub together. The cartilage can wear away.
Bumps called “bone spurs” then grow where the bone is irritated. Sometimes small fractures develop in your bones. Young people have what is known as “growth plates” near the ends of their bones. Damaged growth plates make it hard for the bones to grow properly.
Nerve Injury
Overhand throwing can also cause nerve problems. The ulnar nerve travels along the inner side of your elbow. Throwing can stretch and irritate this nerve.
Hear from some of our patients
Out of country patients
Because of Col (Dr) Adari’s extensive training and experience in elbow arthroscopy, patients travel from all areas of the world for their elbow arthroscopy in Kenya.
If you are an out of the country patient, feel free to let us know so we can accommodate an appropriate time for your consultation with Col (Dr) Adari.
Col (Dr) Adari is known as a top-rated orthopedic & trauma surgeon for elbow arthroscopy in Nairobi, Kenya, and across East Africa, Central Africa, and West Africa.
If you are work – traveling expatriate on diplomatic missions, feel free to contact us so we can accommodate an appropriate time best suited to you for your consultation with Col (Dr) Adari.
Contact us today to reserve your consultation, we are more than happy to assist you with any queries you may have prior to seeing the doctor.
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