What causes elbow pain?
Disease description:
My husband's elbow hurts, but we are unsure of the cause. Could you please tell us, Doctor, what are the possible reasons for elbow pain?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Lei
Elbow pain may be caused by trauma, arthritis, strain, cold exposure, or lateral epicondylitis.
1. Trauma: When the elbow experiences external impact or collision, it may cause soft tissue or bone injury, leading to pain.
2. Arthritis: Long-term excessive wear or aging of the joint may trigger elbow arthritis, causing localized pain and limited movement.
3. Strain: Prolonged vigorous exercise or repetitive use of the elbow without adequate rest may result in excessive accumulation of lactic acid in the affected area, causing pain.
4. Cold exposure: Direct exposure of the elbow to cold air may cause persistent tension in local muscles and ligaments, resulting in pain.
5. Lateral epicondylitis: Lateral epicondylitis is caused by inflammation of the extensor tendon attachment point due to prolonged excessive extension of the elbow and wrist. This inflammation causes pain on the outer side of the elbow joint, which worsens during wrist extension, and significantly limits hand movements.
If the pain persists or worsens, timely medical consultation is advised to determine the underlying cause through relevant examinations and to receive targeted treatment under a physician's guidance.
