Arm & Elbow Injury Guide

What is Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)? Tennis elbow is a common cause of lateral (outside of the elbow) elbow pain, which can also radiate down the forearm. It is aggravated by gripping activities and so is common in people who do a lot of activities where there is a lot of lifting and using the fingers and wrist.

What is Golfers Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)? Golfers elbow is a common cause of pain on the inside of the elbow. It is aggravated by prolonged gripping activities which result in inflammation around the insertion of the muscle tendons in this area of the elbow.

What is a Fractured Radial Head? The radial head forms part of the elbow joint and is commonly injured when you fall over with an outstretched arm. A fractured radial head will present with pain around the outer part of the elbow and will be sore when you move the elbow or wrist.

What is Elbow Arthritis? There are 2 types of arthritis that can affect the elbow – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both of these will cause the elbow to become stiff and painful. Doing repetitive activities or pushing through the elbow will be sore and the joint will ache if it is not moved very often.

What are Rotator Cuff Tears? The rotator cuff is a group of 4 muscles that insert around the shoulder. The provide movement and stability to the shoulder joint. If they become torn, either due to injury or due to wear and tear, they will cause shoulder pain. The shoulder joint will become inflamed (often called tendonitis) and will feel painful and weak.

What is a Dislocated Shoulder? The shoulder is a very mobile joint but due to this it means it is liable to become dislocated. In fact the shoulder is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body. If the shoulder becomes dislocated there will be instant pain around the shoulder and you will be unable to move it. It normally occurs when someone falls onto their outstretched arm. It is important that you seek medical help as soon as possible to have the shoulder relocated.

What is Shoulder Bursitis? There are several bursas throughout the body and there is a very large one in the shoulder called the subacromial bursa. If this becomes damaged or inflamed this will lead to significant shoulder pain mostly around the top and outside aspect of the shoulder. Lifting your arm up and sleeping on your shoulder will be painful to do and these symptoms can last several weeks unless you seek advice from your Doctor or physical therapist.

What is a Acromio Clavicular Joint (ACJ) Sprain The ACJ is just above the shoulder joint and it connects the clavicle (collar bone) to the scapula (shoulder blade). This joint is normally a very stable joint and doesn’t move much as it is held together by a set of very strong, thick ligaments. The joint only moves a little when you move your arm above your head. The ACJ can be sprained when there is a direct blow of fall onto the shoulder.