Elbow Pain
The elbow is the joint that connects the humerus (upper arm) to the radius and ulna (forearm). It is a hinge joint that’s composed of a combination of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and bone. Elbow pain can be particularly painful and difficult because of the joint’s key placement in the arm. Patients who suffer from elbow pain often experience significantly diminished ability to complete daily activities.
Elbow Injury Symptoms
Elbow pain can affect patients in a variety of ways. The type of pain often depends on the specific injury or condition that’s causing the problem. Common symptoms of elbow injury include:
- Sharp, stabbing pain
- Dull, aching pain
- Pain behind the joint
- Pain in front of the joint
- Pain in the tendons surrounding the joint
- Inability to carry objects or use arm
- Deformity of the joint
- Inability to straighten arm
- Swelling around the joint
Some patients may also experience infection in the elbow, which commonly shows itself through symptoms such as redness, warmth, and tenderness in the area.