Common Elbow Injury Symptoms

Your elbows allow you to throw, lift, swing, and do many other day-to-day activities. The elbow is a complex joint, and many things can go wrong. It’s formed where three bones (humerus, ulna, and radius) come together. Every bone has cartilage at the end, which helps with smooth sliding and shock absorption. They are put into place by ligaments (tough tissues). Additionally, the tendons connect the bones to muscles, which let you move your arm in multiple ways. If anything occurs to any of those areas, including the surrounding nerves and blood vessels, you may experience elbow injury symptoms. The Milwaukee personal injury doctors for legal professionals can help you if you’re experiencing constant elbow pain.

Common Elbow Injuries

Here are some of the reasons that can lead to elbow pain:

1. Dislocated Elbow

It occurs when one of the bones forming the elbow is knocked out of its proper place. The injury can occur when you use your hand to catch yourself in a fall. It also occurs in toddlers when they are swung by their forearms.

The most common symptoms of a dislocated elbow are:

• Severe pain in the elbow
• Swelling
• Inability to bend the arm
• Some may also lose feeling in their hand

2. Fractured Elbow

When one of the bones in your arm breaks at the elbow, a fracture occurs. Usually, this happens because of a sudden blow during a contact sport or auto accident.

Some of the symptoms of a fractured elbow injury include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Stiffness in and around the elbow
• Numbness or weakness in the hand, wrist, or arm

3. Strains and Sprains

When muscles are stretched too much or torn, a strain may occur. On the other hand, a sprain happens when ligaments are over-stretched or torn. Lifting heavy objects or overdoing sports activities may lead to elbow muscle strain.

The symptoms may include:

• Tenderness
•  Swelling
•  Pain
• Difficulty in bending or extending the elbow
• Bruising
•  Redness
• Warmth around the elbow

4. Bursitis

Usually caused by repetitive motion, bursitis may also result from an accident or infection. The Bursa, which are small sacs containing fluid, helps to cushion bones, tendons, and muscles in the joints. They also enable the skin to slide over bones. However, they may become swollen and bring you pain.

Bursitis comes with the following symptoms:

•  Localized swelling
• Pain
• Trouble in straightening or flexing the elbow
• Warm to the touch
• Fever or chills
• Redness

5. Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

Both of them are forms of tendinitis, meaning that you experience damage in the tendons surrounding your elbow, because of overuse. In spite of their names, these injuries are not limited to tennis or golf players. Such athletes are simply more likely to suffer from the injuries, because of the arm motions they use while playing. However, Tennis Elbow affects the outside part of the elbow, whereas Golfer’s Elbow affects the inner part.

Common symptoms of those injuries are:

• Pain
• Tenderness
• Weakness
• Numbness in some of the fingers

6. Stress Fractures

A stress fracture means that you have a small crack in an arm bone, mainly because of overuse. The injury commonly occurs in the feet and lower legs, but it may also affect elbows when you throw too much. It’s a common occurrence among baseball pitchers and other athletes who throw a lot. Pain and swelling are primary symptoms of stress fractures.

If you have experienced any of the above elbow injuries, please seek medical attention right away.