Elbow pain

The elbow forms a complex connection between the upper and lower arm. It resembles a hinge joint but actually consists of three joints. The connection between the upper arm and lower arm is a hinge joint, allowing the arm to bend and straighten. The radius can rotate around its longitudinal axis relative to the ulna, enabling us to turn the wrist and hand outward and inward. In addition, the connection between the ulna and the radius also forms a joint with the upper arm, which is a type of ball-and-socket joint similar to the shoulder.

Elbow pain can arise suddenly after an acute trauma such as a fall, but it can also develop gradually. The pain can range from sharp, stabbing sensations when bending or straightening, to a constant aching pain. We outline a number of causes below. You can then click on the link to learn more about the pathology or condition and see what your physiotherapist can do to help. Elbow pain can vary from acute complaints to, if present for a longer period, even becoming chronic.

Hyperextension (trauma). This refers to an overextension of the elbow joint in which the joint capsule and/or ligaments are damaged.

Subluxation: these can occur caused by a blow or fall during trauma.

A sharp, stabbing pain is characteristic of an acute complaint.

During a sudden movement, a muscle or tendon can become overloaded, potentially resulting in an injury.

When catching a heavy object or catching yourself during a fall or slip, a muscle or tendon can tear. This is characterized by a sharp pain, followed by a significant increase in pain during exertion. Ultrasound can be used to determine whether there is a rupture and exactly where it is—whether in the muscle, the muscle-tendon junction, or just the tendon itself.
Making an accurate diagnosis is important for recovery and the eventual (exercise) therapy.
It is important that the muscles are kept at their proper length to prevent any loss of mobility. In the worst case, we may see a limitation in elbow extension, which is why it is important for your physiotherapist to continue monitoring your recovery and ensure the maintenance of mobility.

Subacute or chronic complaints

Tendon complaints
If a tendon injury is suspected, ultrasound diagnostics will be used first. Additionally, exercise therapy and, if necessary, shockwave therapy will be applied. For more information about shockwave and ultrasound diagnostics, we refer to the website ShockwaveVeldhoven.nl. A well-known condition involving the tendons is tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.

Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
In most cases, tennis or golfer’s elbow is the result of overuse and often develops gradually. It is mainly caused by prolonged repetitive movements during activities. Irritation occurs at the attachment of the muscles on the outer or inner side of the elbow. In most cases, these conditions are not related to playing a sport.

The pain associated with tennis elbow is located on the outer side of the elbow and sometimes radiates to the upper or lower arm.

In golfer’s elbow, the pain occurs on the inner side, and it usually does not radiate. Inflammation of the extensor or flexor tendons of the elbow can sometimes also cause reduced strength. The condition can be so painful that you may even drop light objects such as a coffee mug spontaneously or may not be able to lift them at all.

The physiotherapist treats a golfer’s or tennis elbow with local massage on the painful muscle attachment, known as ‘deep transverse friction’. In addition, Shockwave therapy may also be applied.

Exercise therapy is recommended, consisting of stretching and flexing exercises to lengthen the wrist extensors and flexors and reduce tension on the tendons.

Movement restriction due to muscle or shortened capsule

After a fracture, a restriction in elbow movement may occur. In most cases, the ability to fully extend the elbow is limited. There are different ways to treat this movement restriction, depending on its nature (muscle or capsule) and the stage of recovery. Do you have a movement restriction? Then let our physiotherapists assess it and discuss with you what the right treatment is in your case.

Don’t continue to live with your complaint and make an appointment!