“What can be the cause of my elbow pain?”
I'm only 28 and my elbow hurts me almost every day. I'm an office worker and most of the time I sit behind a PC and don't really move until I have to leave. What could be causing my elbow pain?
1 Answer
There are two sides to the elbow: medial (inside) and lateral (outside). The most common cause of medial elbow pain is golfers elbow, which is inflammation at the muscle origins of the wrist flexors on the medial elbow. The most common cause of lateral elbow pain is tennis elbow, which is inflammation at the muscle origin of the wrist extensors on the lateral elbow. Less common causes of lateral elbow pain include inflammation of the elbow joint, arthritis of the elbow joint, and nerve entrapment in the proximal forearm. Less common causes of medial elbow pain include ligament instability and nerve entrapment called cubital tunnel syndrome. Regardless of etiology, rest, ice, heat, stretching, anti-inflammatory medications, and bracing can all be helpful. Proper ergonomic positioning of the hands, elbows, and wrists at work is also important to consider in your particular situation. If symptoms persist, evaluation by an orthopedic or sports medicine doctor is then indicated.
Steven M. DeLuca, DO
Steven M. DeLuca, DO
