Q What are the common elbow problems in Athletes?

• Biceps tendinitis
• Biceps rupture
• Triceps tendinitis
• Olecranon bursitis
• Lateral epicondylitis ( tennis elbow)
• Medial epicondylitis ( golfers elbow)
• Valgus extension overload syndrome
• Dislocation
• Medial collateral ligament strain
• Medial epicondyle stress lesions
• Ulnar nerve compression syndrome
• Osteochondritis dissecans capitellum
• Radial head fracture
• Flexor Pronator strain
• Stress fractures
• Ulnar Nerve compression syndrome

Q What is tennis elbow?

Also known as lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that involves micro tearing of extensor carpi radialis muscle that originates from the lateral epicondyle. It affects patients in fourth or fifth decade of life. Seen in men/women who lift heavy loads.Patient complains of pain during resisted wrist extension (e.g removing laptop from it’s bag, tennis backhand).It is commonly seen in racquet sports, golf, fencing and throwing sports. Treatment involves avoiding activities that aggravate the condition, NSAID’s, Ice, physical therapy, Steroid injection/ PRP or growth factors.

Q What are the causes tennis elbow?

The common denominators in the development of tennis elbow is overuse, poor mechanics and in adequate conditioning.

Q What is golfer’s elbow ?

Medial epicondylitis or golfer’s elbow is an overuse injury to the origin of flexor group of muscles. It is commonly seen in Golfers and throwing athletes. The medial elbow is placed under valgus stress during the back swing and the down swing to just before impact with the golf ball. Rest and activity modification, icing, counterforce brace and NSAID’s is the mainstay of treatment. Steroid injections, PRP, growth factors have shown promising results.

Q What is biceps tendinitis?

It is an overuse injury. Commonly seen in throwing sports and activities that require repetitive elbows bending (flexion) and supination. The distal biceps role is to decelerate elbow to prevent hyperextension produced by the forces generated at ball release from the hand. An athlete will have pain in the anterior elbow after prolonged throwing or resisted forearm movement. It is commonly seen in an unconditioned athlete due to repetitive strain. Treatment is rest ,ice, NSAID’s.

Q What is Olecranon bursitis?

It is due to direct trauma to the posterior elbow, or repetitive movement or frequent irritation of the bursa. Treatment involves compression, NSAID’s, ice, and splinting. Wearing elbow pads helps defend against hard artificial turf.