Elbow Pain and Problems

The elbow is a hinge joint between the lower end of the humerus bone in the upper arm and the upper end of the radius and ulnar bones in the lower arm. The arm is bent and rotated at the elbow by the biceps muscles in the upper arm. Ligaments located at the front, back, and sides of the elbow help stabilize the joint.

Common elbow problems include the following:

• arthritis
  Common forms of arthritis that can affect the elbow include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and infectious arthritis.
• bursitis
  bursitis may be caused by trauma to the elbow, prolonged pressure on the elbow, infection with a skin opening causing bacteria to enter the bursa and cause infection, and medical conditions such as rheumatoid artritis and gout.
• fractures
  Falling on an outstretched hand or directly on the tip of the elbow can result in dislocation and/or several types of fractures, depending on the fall.
• injury
  Repetitive strain on the elbow can cause inflammation.

There are many types of elbow problems that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.

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Online Resources of Orthopaedic Center

Disclaimer - This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. © 2009 Staywell Custom Communications.