Elbow pain can occur in any of the structures of the elbow outlined below. Irritation from wear and tear, compression, sprain (ligaments), strain (muscles) incorrect mechanics (joints not tracking properly), inflammation of the blood vessels/ bursa/nerves or fractures (bone) can be the cause of the pain. The pain could also be coming from above or below the elbow.
Structures of the elbow
The elbow is a hinge joint and has 3 bones. The humerus, radius and ulna. Each joint has an articular cartilage to prevent friction. Holding the bones together are 3 ligaments. 6 muscles cross the elbow joint and attach on to the bones via tendons. The other structures involved in the elbow are the blood vessels (veins and arteries), nerves (C5-C8) and bursae.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis can be difficult without the appropriate training. At Future Proof Care, we will complete a thorough history and examination to gain the correct diagnosis, prior to recommendations and/or treatment.
Elbow pain conditions we have diagnosed and/or support
Patients have presented to the Future Proof Care Practice on Kings Hill, West Malling with elbow pain from a range of causes. These causes include overuse or repetitive strain injury, trauma or impact from a fall. They can be from Mal-alignment, instability, or sometimes of unknown cause. The conditions outlined below have diagnosed and/or supported within our Practice:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (Medial epicondylitis)
- Mechanical dysfunction
- Dislocation
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Ulna/radial fractures
Some conditions causing elbow symptoms require a referral for imaging or further testing to confirm the diagnosis. We will then, when appropriate, support the person with treatment. Education on how to manage and rehabilitate their presentation will also be provided if it is within the scope of our Practice.
Description
Patients that we have helped, described their symptoms as outlined below. Each description points towards a certain diagnosis and is very helpful to understand the cause. If you use any of these terms, book an appointment with one of our Practitioners at Future Proof Care, Kings Hill, West Malling. This is not an exhaustive list.
- “Deep ache”.
- “Burning sensation”.
- Unable to straighten the elbow.
- Unable to fully bend the knee.
- Popping/clicking.
- “Sharp and catching”.
- Pins and needles or “tingly”.
- Painful to put body weight on.
- “Sore on twisting”.
- Swollen or “feels like it’s swollen”.
- “Feels like spiders walking over it”.
- “Feels numb”.
- Weakness in hand grip.
History and Examination
To understand the nature of your presentation, we take a history. A thorough examination is then performed on the elbow, as well as the wrist/hand, shoulder, neck and upper back. The examination usually includes many mechanical, orthopaedic, neurological and muscle tests. A diagnosis with clinical clarity will be achieved prior to establishing the right course of action.
Why Choose us?
Not all Chiropractors, Osteopaths or Physiotherapists treat elbow pain both directly AND indirectly. They may focus only on the spine in isolation or the elbow in isolation. At Future Proof Care, we treat the body as a whole, thereby getting better results quicker.
What your elbow symptoms are and why you have them, is the first thing we establish. We then focus on symptom relief. We are honest and act with integrity, keeping you, your goals and needs at the centre of your care.
Don’t let elbow pain get in the way of your daily activities. Our practitioners go beyond their training in Chiropractic, Osteopathy. We continually attend seminars and stay up to date with the latest research, sports injury and techniques, so our patients can get the best service.
