Sports Elbow Injuries

Dr Oscar Brumby-Rendell | ASULC | Adelaide Shoulder & Upper Limb Clinic | Elbow Surgery

Caused by overuse of the forearm extensor tendons, tennis elbow results in pain on the outer side of the elbow. It commonly affects tennis players, weightlifters, and people performing repetitive gripping tasks.

Learn more about tennis elbow.

Similar to tennis elbow, this condition affects the tendons on the inner elbow. It’s common in golfers, throwers, and manual workers who repeatedly bend the wrist and clench the fingers.

The elbow and radius bone are connected via the distal biceps tendon. This tendon can rupture when overused and worn, resulting in elbow pain. This can also cause the retracting of the biceps muscle into the upper arm, making a noticeable bump.

Repetitive elbow extension results in this condition. Patients with this condition struggle to straighten their elbow without pain in the elbow's back, and clicking or locking may be experienced during this motion.

This condition requires urgent treatment, and other injuries (including instability and fractures) may be experienced in conjunction with a dislocation. Complex conditions arise from elbow dislocations, and ongoing treatment is often required.

Some sports injuries may benefit from non-surgical treatment.

Such treatments may include:

  • The consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs for the reduction of swelling and pain
  • Allowing the elbow to rest (specifically for repetition injuries)
  • Immobilising and supporting the elbow via a splint or strap
  • Physiotherapy exercises
  • Corticosteroid injections for swelling or pain reduction

Surgery may be required as soon as possible for complex conditions such as distal biceps ruptures.

Sports Elbow
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