The elbow is a synovia joint, which is a common joint in the body that allows movement. It is also a hinge joint as it only allows movement in one plane (it bends one way only). The elbow is located between the ulna and radius (long bones in the forearm) and the humerus (the long bone in the upper arm). The tip of the elbow is called the olecranon, which is commonly referred to as the “funny bone” (although there’s nothing funny about the pain that occurs when it is bumped). There are three joints in the elbow; the humeroulnar, humeroradial, and superior radioulnar joints. The humeroulnar joint is a hinge joint located at the junction between the ulna and the humerus. It enables the elbow to flex and extend. The humeroradial joint is a ball and socket joint located between the top of the radius to the smooth part of the humerus. The superior radioulnar joint is located at the top of the radius to the notch of the ulna. This allows the arm to be rotated inwards and outward.

Lateral epicondylitis is a common elbow condition caused by repetitive motions and overuse. Aptly nicknamed “tennis elbow” due to the possible damage racquet type sports can do to the elbow, you don’t have to play tennis to acquire this condition. Painting, cooking, construction, and other activities that are repetitive over time can cause this condition. The tendons in our forearms, called extensors, are what attaches the muscles of the forearm to the bone. These are attached to the lateral epicondyle which is attached by a tendon to a forearm muscle called the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis, or ECRB. The ECRB keeps the wrist stable when we straighten the elbow. When the ECRB becomes overused, tears form in the tendon that is attached to the lateral epicondyle. Symptoms of lateral epicondylitis are weakness in the hands while gripping, and pain and burning on the outer elbow area. Doctors can diagnose this condition through recreational history and a physical examination.

Elbow instability usually occurs after an injury, and causes the elbow to feel loose, or that it may slip out of place. Elbow instability can be caused to trauma, a fall on an outstretched hand, repetitive motion, and activities that use the overhand motion, such as a pitcher. Elbow instability, if not treated, can cause damage to the bone and ligaments of the elbow. The elbow has collateral ligaments that keep the joint in place to prevent instability. The most important are the outside ligament (radial) and the inside ligament (ulnar). They work together with the muscles to keep the elbow joint stable. An injury to the any of the collateral ligaments can cause the elbow to slide in and out of the joint. Symptoms of elbow instability include: a feeling your elbow may pop out of place, locking, clicking, and sometimes pain. A diagnosis of elbow instability is through past medical history and a physical examination.

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed in the elbow. The ulnar nerve is the largest nerve in the body that is not protected by bones or muscle, leaving it vulnerable to injury. The cubital tunnel is a passageway the ulnar nerve travels through, all the way to the pinky and ring fingers. It goes under the medial epicondyle, which is the bump on the inside of the elbow. This bump is referred to as the “funny bone”, which when hit causes what feels like electrical shock to the area. Because the cubital tunnel is narrow, compression of the ulnar nerve can happen many ways: bending the elbow, leaning on the elbow, trauma to the area, and fluid buildup. Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome actually occur in the fingers than the actual elbow, due to where the ulnar nerve travels. Numbness and prickling sensations in the pinky and ring finger when the elbow is bent, weakness in grip, and difficulty moving the fingers are common symptoms. A diagnosis of cubital tunnel syndrome is by medical history, physical examination, x-rays, and occasionally nerve conduction tests.