Elbow pain can be divided into different categories:

1. Acute pain: Occurs suddenly, often as a result of injuries such as bruises or fractures.
2. Chronic pain: Develops over a longer period, usually due to overuse or degenerative processes.
3. Mechanical pain: Results from movements or stresses on the elbow, for example through sports or work.
4. Inflammatory pain: Caused by conditions such as arthritis or bursitis.
5. Neuropathic pain: Occurs when nerves in the elbow area are irritated or pinched, as in cubital tunnel syndrome.

The main causes of elbow pain can be divided into several categories:

- Overuse and improper loading:

- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Pain on the outside of the elbow, often caused by repetitive movements such as playing tennis or intensive computer work.

- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis): Pain on the inside of the elbow, often triggered by repetitive bending movements.

- Injuries:

- Bruises and fractures: Injuries from falls or accidents that cause acute pain and swelling.

- Dislocations: Dislocations of the elbow joint that cause severe pain and movement restrictions.

- Inflammatory diseases:

- Arthritis: Joint inflammation that can result from infections, autoimmune diseases, or degenerative processes.

- Bursitis (bursa inflammation): Inflammation of the bursa in the elbow area, often caused by pressure or overuse.

- Nerve compression syndromes:

- Cubital tunnel syndrome: Compression of the ulnar nerve in the elbow area, leading to pain, tingling, and numbness.

- Degenerative changes:

- Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of the elbow joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

The symptoms vary depending on the cause and extent of the complaints, but typically include:

- **Pain:** Localized or radiating pain that occurs on the inner, outer, or back side of the elbow, depending on the cause.

- **Movement restrictions:** Difficulties in bending, extending, or rotating the elbow.

- **Swelling:** Common in inflammatory or traumatic causes such as bursitis or bruises.

- **Tenderness:** Pain upon touch, especially in overuse conditions like tennis elbow.

- **Numbness or tingling:** Signs of nerve compression, as in cubital tunnel syndrome.

- **Grinding or cracking:** Mechanical noises during movement, often caused by osteoarthritis or degenerative changes.

The diagnosis is made through a combination of medical history, clinical examination, and imaging techniques:

- Medical history: The doctor inquires about the patient's medical history, the course of the pain, and possible triggering factors.

- Physical examination: Checking the mobility, tenderness, and stability of the elbow.

- Imaging techniques:

- X-ray: Visualization of bone changes or fractures.

- MRI: Identification of soft tissue damage such as tendon or bursa inflammation.

- Ultrasound: Examination of fluid accumulations or soft tissue injuries.

Conservative Therapy

Most elbow pain can be treated without surgery:

• Physiotherapy:
  • Exercises to strengthen and mobilize the elbow.
  • Manual therapy to relieve overloaded structures.
• Pain Therapy:
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen or Diclofenac.
  • Local applications of cold or heat packs for pain relief.
• Orthopedic Aids:
  • Use of bandages or orthoses to stabilize the joint.
• Injections:
  • Cortisone or hyaluronic acid injections for inflammatory or degenerative conditions.

Surgical Therapy

Surgery is only considered for severe injuries or chronic conditions:

• Tendon Reconstruction: Restoration of damaged tendons, for example, in tennis elbow.
• Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedures to treat joint inflammation or cartilage damage.
• Fracture Correction: Surgical fixation of bone fractures in the elbow joint.

To prevent elbow pain, the following measures are recommended:

1. Ergonomic work: Adjusting the workplace and posture to avoid unilateral strain.
2. Warming up before physical activity: Reducing the risk of injury through targeted stretching and strengthening exercises.
3. Regular breaks: Avoiding overload from prolonged work or sports activities.
4. Use of protective measures: Using bandages or protective equipment during sports activities.
5. Correct technique: Learning and applying correct movement patterns in sports and work.