Elbow Pain
Understanding the structures of Elbow Joint
Elbow is a complex hinge joint formed between lower end of arm bone (humerus) and upper end of the two forearm bones (radius and ulna).These three bones articulate with each other with help of ligaments. Cartilage is a covering present at the ends of these bones providing smooth surface for frictionless movement. Muscles which moves the elbow joint are attached around the elbow joint with help of tendons. Synovium is a thin covering inside the elbow joint which synthesizes joint fluid.
Disease, trauma or stressful activity can damage any structure of your elbow joint causing pain and disability. Some of the common causes of elbow pain are:
Post Traumatic Arthritis
Old trauma, either a fracture or dislocation of the elbow region can lead to post traumatic arthritis. In post traumatic arthritis the cartilage which is a tough smooth cushion to your elbow joint is damaged or worn out. In case of injury where proper healing of bones or ligaments does not happen, undue stress develops in the joint. These undue stress lead to premature progressive wearing of the cartilage. Progressive damage to cartilage causes pain while attempting movement of the arm like combing hair, picking objects or driving etc.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disease where synovium(a covering producing joint fluid)overgrows and become inflamed. Inflamed synovium slowly eats away whole of the joint causing episodes of severe pain and swelling. If diagnosed early, it can be treated with medication and life style modifications. In others, where the joint suffered irreparable damage surgery provides pain relief and movement. With the advancement in surgical techniques and implants elbow replacement is a successful procedure providing pain free and mobile joint. There are various other causes for elbow pain which needs proper evaluation and treatment.
If you are suffering from elbow pain and not getting much relief, please contact our specialist.
Elbow is a complex hinge joint formed between lower end of arm bone (humerus) and upper end of the two forearm bones (radius and ulna).These three bones articulate with each other with help of ligaments. Cartilage is a covering present at the ends of these bones providing smooth surface for frictionless movement. Muscles which moves the elbow joint are attached around the elbow joint with help of tendons. Synovium is a thin covering inside the elbow joint which synthesizes joint fluid.
Disease, trauma or stressful activity can damage any structure of your elbow joint causing pain and disability. Some of the common causes of elbow pain are:
Post Traumatic Arthritis
Old trauma, either a fracture or dislocation of the elbow region can lead to post traumatic arthritis. In post traumatic arthritis the cartilage which is a tough smooth cushion to your elbow joint is damaged or worn out. In case of injury where proper healing of bones or ligaments does not happen, undue stress develops in the joint. These undue stress lead to premature progressive wearing of the cartilage. Progressive damage to cartilage causes pain while attempting movement of the arm like combing hair, picking objects or driving etc.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune disease where synovium(a covering producing joint fluid)overgrows and become inflamed. Inflamed synovium slowly eats away whole of the joint causing episodes of severe pain and swelling. If diagnosed early, it can be treated with medication and life style modifications. In others, where the joint suffered irreparable damage surgery provides pain relief and movement. With the advancement in surgical techniques and implants elbow replacement is a successful procedure providing pain free and mobile joint. There are various other causes for elbow pain which needs proper evaluation and treatment.
If you are suffering from elbow pain and not getting much relief, please contact our specialist.
Dr. Mohit Madan
MBBS, MS Ortho, FJRA, MCh. Ortho
- Fellowship in Computer Navigated Joint Replacement
- Fellowship in Minimal Invasive
- Joint Surgery & Arthroscopy (Denmark, Spain, Mumbai), ATLS (USA), SRA/SR (AIIMS, New Delhi)
- Consultant Minimal Invasive Joint Surgery & Arthroscopy
