Sharp Elbow Pain

Sharp elbow Pain

If you are having sharp elbow pain there is a possibility you are having overuse injury, acute injury, or nerve compression from elbow or neck. More common conditions include tennis or golfer’s elbow, and elbow dislocation, or an elbow sprain.

Sharp elbow pain normally describe as pin and needle or electric sensation, can be irritating, annoying and pain at times. This sharp pain will disturb our daily activities, from doing household chores to sport performance. That  also includes the bone, muscles tendons and their attachment and nerve above, running through the elbow.

Common symtoms are:

  • Finger or arm weakness
  • Finger or arm tingling
  • Hand numbness
  • Decreased ability to use the elbow
  • Worsened pain when moving the wrist or forearm
  • Elbow bruising or swelling
  • Neck or shoulder pain

Sharp Elbow Pain Causes

Acute injury

Acute injury to the elbow will result to sharp elbow pain, example are:

  • Biceps tendon tear: A tear of the tendon that attaches the biceps to the elbow causes sudden sharp elbow pain along with weakness and a bulge in the upper arm.Tearing of the biceps tendon is typically caused by attempting to lift a heavy object.
  • Fracture: A fracture on one of the bones that make up the elbow can cause sharp pain along with swelling and weakness. This can occur due to falling directly on the elbow or landing on the hand trying to break a fall.

Overuse Injury

  • Repetitive movement at the elbow joint will cause an injury on the tendon that attach to the elbow, resulting in having sharp pain on the elbow. The pain will be located on the inner or outer side of the elbow, depending on the specific tendons affected, and will worsen with movement of the wrist or forearm.

Nerve Injury

Nerve injury can result in sharp elbow pain, such as the follow:.

  • Nerve compression at the elbow: Multiple nerves run through the elbow and can be compressed due to repetitive elbow motions or anatomical abnormalities, resulting in sharp or pins and needles” sensation. Depending on the specific nerve affected, you may feel pain in the ring and little fingers or in the forearm as well.
  • Nerve compression in the neck: Anatomical abnormalities in the neck such as arthritis can cause compression of nerves as they exit the spinal cord. Depending on the specific nerve affected, sharp pain may occur. Typically, you will also feel pain in the neck and shoulder.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your physician if you experience the following.

  • Pain worsens or persists
  • Tingling, numbness, pain, or weakness in your fingers
  • Elbow weakness
  • You feel elbow movement limited

Treatment for sharp elbow pain

Doctor may prescribe one or more of the following treatments, depending on the cause of the pain;

  • Doctors may prescribe oral steroids to reduce inflammation affecting nerves or tendons.
  • Oral or topical pain medications
  • Placing a splint on the elbow
  • Physical therapy to strengthen the elbow area
  • Surgery maybe conducted if other treatments are not effective or if surgery is necessary to restore normal function after an injury.

SELF-DIAGNOSE CAN BRING MORE HARM THAN TREATING IT. IT IS GOOD TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE INJURY BUT DEFINITELY NOT TO THE POINT OF SELF-TREATMENT. IT WILL BE MUCH SAFER TO GET TREATED BY OUR DOCTOR FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH ORTHOPAEDICS, YOU CAN CONTACT US, THE HOTLINE IS OPEN 24 HOURS. YOU MAY ALSO SEND US AN ENQUIRY FOR ANKLE PAINBACK PAINELBOW PAINHAND PAINHIP PAINKNEE PAINSHOULDER PAIN OR FOR AN APPOINTMENT.