Elbow Pain and Problems

The elbow is a hinge joint between the lower end of the humerus bone in the upper arm and the upper end of the radius and ulnar bones in the lower arm. The arm is bent and rotated at the elbow by the biceps muscles in the upper arm. Ligaments located at the front, back, and sides of the elbow help stabilize the joint.

Common elbow problems include the following:

• arthritis
  Common forms of arthritis that can affect the elbow include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and infectious arthritis.
• bursitis
  Bursitis of the elbow, also called olecranon bursitis, occurs as a result of injury or constant pressure on the elbow (for example, when leaning on a hard surface).
• fractures
  Falling on an outstretched hand or directly on the tip of the elbow can result in dislocation and/or several types of fractures, depending on the fall.
• injury
  Repetitive strain on the elbow can cause inflammation.