Sports Injuries | Dr James McLean | Orthopaedic Surgeon | ASULC | Adelaide

A repetitive extending and twisting motion causes the extensor tendon on the outside of the elbow to become inflamed. Sometimes other conditions have similar symptoms, and only an experienced doctor is able to diagnose the condition.

Read more about tennis elbow causes, symptoms and treatment.

Golfer's elbow is a lot like Tennis Elbow, but the tendon on the inside of the elbow suffers inflammation.

The distal biceps tendon attaches to the radius bone in the elbow. When the tendon becomes worn from overuse, it can rupture, causing pain in the elbow. The biceps muscle can also retract to the upper arm, creating a prominent bump.

Distal BicepsButtonâ„¢ Tension Slide Technique

This condition occurs during repetitive extension of the elbow. Straightening the elbow causes pain at the back of the elbow and locking or clicking may occur.

Elbow dislocation needs urgent treatment and may be associated with other injuries such as fractures and instability. Elbow dislocations cause complex conditions that may need ongoing treatment.

Depending on the type of injury, non-surgical treatment may be tried first.

These treatments may include:

  • Using anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling
  • Resting the injured elbow, especially in the case of repetition injuries
  • Using a strap or splint to support and immobilise the injury site
  • Physiotherapy treatments
  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and swelling

Some conditions, such as a distal biceps rupture, need surgery without delay.

Shoulder Injuries | Dr James McLean | Orthopaedic Surgeon | ASULC | Adelaide