Elbow Pain

Overuse of the elbow often results in two common complaints referred to as tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. The pain is on the outside of the elbow joint and a result of overusing the forearm muscles. Injury often happens with a repeated gripping motion, extending the wrist and extending the elbow. These conditions can also be caused or aggravated by long-term motions used to type and use of a mouse.

Symptoms of tennis elbow are:

• Intermittent swelling in the elbow area
• Noticeable weakness in the wrist
• Pain on the inside or outside of the elbow that radiates from the forearm down to the wrist
• Pain associated with bending or lifting the arm, such as gripping, twisting a lid, opening a door or picking up a cup

Treatment for tennis elbow and golfer's elbow can vary depending on the severity of injury and pain. If you think you have one of these conditions, first apply cold compresses to the area to reduce swelling. You can also take an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and ease the pain. If you continue to have problems, you may benefit from physical therapy. If you were using poor techniques or the wrong equipment for an activity, a physical therapist can show you the proper techniques to avoid tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.