Watch out for the elbow!

Be careful with your elbow! Injuries do not discriminate or have preferences.

If you practice any sport that requires continuous arm movement, you must be especially aware of the importance and fragility of our elbows. Excessive strain or an unfortunate accident can complicate things significantly.

The elbow is the joint that connects the upper arm to the forearm. It is the central part of the arm's movement axis, allowing for the flexion and extension of the upper limbs. Additionally, it is the origin point of the tendons responsible for the hand's flexion and extension.

The elbow consists of a set of joints between the humerus, radius, and ulna. Like all joints, although it is designed for continuous use, it is still susceptible to various wear-induced injuries. It is also one of the joints most affected by falls and accidents since our arms instinctively react to protect the upper body, making them particularly vulnerable to trauma.

Two of the most common elbow injuries are: Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.

Tennis elbow: also known as “lateral epicondylitis,” is an injury caused by excessive use. It is an inflammation of the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow. The muscles and tendons in the forearm are damaged due to repetitive and excessive movements. This condition causes pain and sensitivity on the outer side of the elbow.

Despite its name, other sports besides tennis can lead to tennis elbow, and even individuals who do not participate in sports may develop this issue if their jobs require repetitive elbow movements, which leads to wear and tear.

Golfer's elbow: This condition causes pain where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to a bony protrusion on the inner part of the elbow. The pain may extend into the forearm and wrist. It is generally quite similar to tennis elbow, with the main difference being that it originates on the inner side of the arm, while tennis elbow affects the outer side.

As with tennis elbow, golfer's elbow is not limited to those who play golf, nor is it exclusive to athletes. Even non-athletes whose daily activities cause wear on these tendons will also be affected.

To treat issues affecting such an important joint, a timely diagnosis is necessary. Generally, if treated early, most of these complications can be resolved. In most cases, the first step is to reduce inflammation in the muscles and tendons, followed by restricting joint movement. This is crucial to avoid reinjury and worsening the condition.