Elbow and Wrist Pain
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Tennis elbow is a condition caused by overuse or repetitive strain on the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. It is commonly seen in individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive wrist extension and forearm rotation, not just tennis players.
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis): Golfer's elbow is similar to tennis elbow but involves the tendons on the inside of the elbow. It is caused by overuse or repetitive strain on the tendons that attach to the inner side of the elbow, often due to activities like golfing, throwing, or repetitive gripping.
Elbow bursitis: Elbow bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones, tendons, and muscles around the joint. It can be caused by repetitive pressure, trauma, or infection, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Elbow fractures or dislocations: Fractures or dislocations of the bones in the elbow can cause severe pain. These injuries often occur due to trauma, such as a fall or direct impact to the elbow.
Tendinitis: Tendinitis occurs when the tendons in the elbow become inflamed or irritated. It can result from overuse, repetitive motions, or sudden excessive force, leading to pain and discomfort.
Arthritis: Various forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the elbow joint and cause pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
Nerve compression: Compression or irritation of the nerves that pass through the elbow, such as the ulnar nerve (cubital tunnel syndrome) or the radial nerve, can cause elbow pain and associated symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Overuse or repetitive strain injuries: Activities that involve repetitive motions or excessive strain on the elbow joint, such as certain sports, manual labor, or hobbies, can contribute to elbow pain.
Muscle strains or sprains: Straining or spraining the muscles or ligaments around the elbow can cause pain and discomfort. This can occur due to sudden movements, overuse, or trauma.
Referred pain: Sometimes, pain from other areas of the body, such as the neck, shoulder, or wrist, can radiate to the elbow and cause elbow pain.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, becomes compressed or irritated. It can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the wrist, hand, and fingers. Repetitive hand and wrist movements, underlying health conditions, or anatomical factors can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Wrist sprains and strains: Sprains and strains of the wrist can result from sudden twisting or stretching of the ligaments and tendons in the wrist. This can occur due to a fall, sports injury, or overuse, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Wrist fractures: Fractures or broken bones in the wrist can cause severe pain and swelling. These injuries often occur due to falls, accidents, or sports-related trauma.
Tendinitis: Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of the tendons in the wrist. It can result from repetitive wrist movements, overuse, or sudden excessive force, leading to pain and discomfort.
Arthritis: Various forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can affect the wrist joint and cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
Ganglion cysts: Ganglion cysts are noncancerous lumps or cysts that commonly develop along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands. They can cause pain or discomfort, particularly when pressing on nearby structures.
Wrist bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion and lubricate the joints. Inflammation of the bursae in the wrist can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
Repetitive strain injuries: Activities or occupations that involve repetitive wrist movements, such as typing, using a computer mouse, or using hand tools, can contribute to wrist pain and conditions like tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Nerve compression: Compression or irritation of the nerves that pass through the wrist, such as the median nerve or the ulnar nerve, can cause wrist pain and associated symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and fingers.
Other causes: Other factors that can contribute to wrist pain include cysts, ligament tears, muscle strains, wrist joint instability, certain infections, or referred pain from the forearm, elbow, or neck.
