Prevention and Care: 7 Common Elbow Injuries Linked to Sports

The elbow is a critical joint for most athletes. The way it connects the upper arm to the forearm enables a range of movements necessary for numerous aspects of sports performance. However, its intricate structure, comprising bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, makes it highly susceptible to injuries. This is particularly the case when playing sports that require repetitive arm motions or heavy lifting. 

As any medical professional who handles orthopedic surgeon specialities will confirm, there are a number of common elbow injuries linked to sports activities.

Understanding the regularly occurring elbow injuries, and their causes, can help when it comes to identifying the symptoms and developing prevention strategies.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

When you are talking about common elbow injuries, right at the top of the list is likely to be an injury referred to as tennis elbow.

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that affects the tendons on the outer part of your elbow. Don’t be fooled by its name, this condition is not exclusive to tennis players. It can affect athletes in any sport that involves repetitive wrist and arm motions, such as golf or baseball.

Classic symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outer elbow, weak grip strength, and noticeably difficulty lifting or gripping objects. This problem is usually caused by repetitive wrist extension or forearm rotation.

Some of the best ways to prevent this injury would be to work on strengthening your forearm muscles with resistance exercises, and avoid overloading the wrist and elbow.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow is similar to tennis elbow but this condition affects the tendons on the inner side of your elbow. It is common in sports that involve gripping, swinging, or throwing.

You will have pain and tenderness on the inner elbow, probably stiffness in the elbow, and some numbness or tingling in the fingers. A Golfer’s elbow is caused by repetitive wrist flexion or forearm rotation, and excessive strain on the elbow tendons due to overuse.

To try and prevent this injury from developing, focus on strengthening your wrist and forearm muscles. It is also advisable to warm up thoroughly before activities, and avoid excessive gripping or repetitive wrist motions.

Elbow Sprains

This injury happens when the ligaments in the joint are overstretched or torn. This injury is common in sports like basketball, football, and gymnastics, which often involve falls or sudden arm movements.

Elbow sprains often result in pain and swelling around the elbow, combined with a limited range of motion, and a feeling of instability in your joint.

Common causes are sudden twisting or hyperextension of the elbow, and trauma as a result of a fall or direct impact.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injuries

The UCL is a key ligament on the inner side of your elbow. It is often injured in overhead throwing sports like baseball and javelin. The extent of this injury can range from minor sprains to complete tears.

Common symptoms include pain on the inside of your elbow, and a noticeable reduction in your throwing velocity or accuracy. Another regular symptom to experience is a distinctive popping sensation when in the process of suffering a UCL injury.

This type of injury is typically caused by repetitive stress from overhand throwing motions, combined with poor throwing mechanics.

Some ways to prevent this from happening would be to take adequate rest between games, improve your throwing technique and warm-up routines, and work on strengthening your shoulder and elbow stabilizing muscles.

Olecranon Bursitis

This condition involves inflammation of your bursa, which is a fluid-filled sac that cushions your elbow’s bony tip. It is a common injury in sports where athletes frequently lean on their elbows or experience direct trauma.

Typical symptoms are swelling at the tip of the elbow, pain that ranges from mild to severe, and redness and warmth when an infection is present.

This injury is often caused by repeated pressure or trauma to the elbow. It can also happen if you have an infection or an underlying condition like arthritis.

It would be wise to use elbow pads to protect against direct blows, and avoid prolonged leaning or resting on hard surfaces to prevent aggravating the condition.

Elbow Fractures

Elbow fractures occur when one or more of your bones in the joint (humerus, ulna, or radius) break. This injury often results from falls, collisions, or high-impact sports like skateboarding or snowboarding.

Typical symptoms are severe pain and swelling, a visible deformity or bruising, or an inability to move your elbow.

One of the most common causes of an elbow fracture is direct trauma or a fall onto an outstretched arm. If you suffer an elbow fracture, immediate medical attention is crucial.

The treatment you receive may involve immobilization with a cast or surgery, combined with physical therapy to regain mobility and strength post-recovery.

Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture

A distal biceps tendon rupture happens when the tendon attaching the biceps muscle to your elbow partially or completely tears. This injury is common in weightlifting, wrestling, and other sports involving heavy pulling.

You will typically experience a sharp pain in your elbow during the injury, and a noticeable bulge in the upper arm. You might also experience weakness in forearm rotation and lifting.

This type of rupture can be caused by a sudden overload on your biceps tendon, or repetitive heavy lifting or pulling motions.

Try to avoid excessive strain during lifting exercises. You could also help minimize the risk of a rupture by using proper lifting techniques and warming up adequately.

There are several ways to prevent an elbow injury. You should always do warm-ups and stretches to help ensure your muscles and joints are prepared for activity. Aim to build strength in the surrounding muscles to support your elbow joint

In addition, it always pays to allow adequate recovery time between workouts to prevent overuse injuries.

In summary, it goes without saying that elbow injuries can be debilitating, especially if you are an athlete who relies on your arms for peak performance. By having a better understanding of these common types of injuries and their underlying causes, you can take proactive steps to prevent them. 

When injuries do occur, early intervention and appropriate treatment care are key to ensuring a speedy recovery and a safe return to sports. If you suffer any of these common elbow injuries, seek medical attention and talk to a professional about your rehabilitation and treatment options.