Elbow

Introduction to

Elbow

The elbow, like the knee joint, is a hinge joint. The joint itself is made up of the humerus, ulnar and radius. It is surrounded by a magnitude of soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments) to allow it to take on significant 'loads'. The elbow joint is one of the most used joints of the body, as every movement from our hand creates an associate movement and use of the elbow joint.

What causes Elbow pain?

Elbow joint pain can be caused by a number of different structures. There are a variety of possible reasons for a person to experience pain in this region. Pain can be caused by inflammation of the tendons surrounding this joint, or from a muscle injury itself. It can also be due to inflammation of wear and tear changes within the joint (arthritis). The onset of the pain can be a good indicator of what structures might be at fault and a thorough assessment is usually required to examine this joint.

What can be done to help?

Medication can be a useful first step in helping to relieve pain in the elbow. This can be discussed with your GP or Pharmacist. Another early intervention which is often encouraged is Physiotherapy. A specialist assessment can give a good indication of what might help an elbow problem recover. Often techniques/treatements used by Physiotherapists such as manual release, Shockwave Therapy, and exercise prescription can assist in the rehabilitation process for elbow pain. Sometimes further assessment is required in order to establish the exact cause of the problem. This can include scans (ultrasound, MRI, X-ray) or seeing an elbow specialist consultant, although this is rare.

What exercises can I try?

Due to the complexity of the elbow, and the variety of possible problems, it is very difficult to prescribe exercises that will help recovery from an elbow problem. We recommend seeing one of our Physiotherapist's who will be able to show you the correct exercises for your individual needs, along with any other treatment you might need. Often, a few simple exercises done correctly can go a long way to alleviate elbow problems.

At White House Clinic, we offer a specialist service for patients with Elbow pain.

Whether its chronic or acute pain, our team of specialists have vast experience in diagnosing and treating shoulder and elbow pathology. We are able to ensure that your pathway from injury/pain onset to getting back to your optimum health is achieved in the best possible way. Our specialist Elbow service offers:

Expert assessment, diagnosis and treatment from in-house Extended Scope Practitioners (ESP’s)
Direct and rapid access to investigative and scanning facilities
Direct referral links to the most renowned Orthopaedic Specialists in the region
Direct access to state-of-the-art Gym and Rehabilitation facilities
Appropriate service for both conservative and surgical intervention patient pathways

Common Elbow Pathologies That We Treat