Arm Pain

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a condition where repetitive motions in the arm and wrist can lead to overloading the tendons in the elbow. The condition gets its name because it's a frequent issue for tennis players due to the way they swing the racket. However, anyone can get tennis elbow, not just athletes.

The arm pain usually starts at the outside of the elbow where the tendons meet. It can also include the forearm and wrist. Those with tennis elbow may have trouble performing basic tasks like turning a doorknob or grasping a cup.

Golfer's Elbow

Golfer's elbow is caused by a golfer's grip and swing. It can come on suddenly from using bad form or can result after years of playing and repeated use. Other athletes, like tennis players, and people doing physical labor may also experience golfer's elbow.

Golfer's elbow is a result of overloading the tendons where they meet at the inside of the elbow. It's characterized by pain near the bony part of the inner elbow. The pain can travel from the elbow to the forearm, wrist and fingers.

People suffering from golfer's elbow often experience numbness, stiffness and tingling in addition to arm pain. You may feel your arm weak and you may find it difficult to do simple activities outside of golf.

Swimmer's Elbow

Swimmer's elbow, also known as swimmer's arm, is a common condition for swimmers. It's usually caused by the breaststroke or butterfly stroke because of the position of the elbow. People can also get swimmer's elbow from performing physical labor or lifting weights.

With swimmer's elbow, you may experience pain on both the inside and outside of the elbow. It's a blend between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. New swimmers often experience swimmer's elbow because they haven't yet learned proper form. Experienced swimmers can develop the condition due to many years of repeated use.

Swimmer's elbow can also spread to other parts of the arm. You may also experience numbness or pain in the forearm and wrist. Even moving your fingers can sometimes cause pain. Daily activities like shaking hands with someone can become painful.

Upper Arm Pain

Upper arm pain can be difficult to deal with and makes completing your daily tasks a challenge. The arm pain can come on quickly as a result of an injury or can develop gradually over time with repeated movements that put stress on your muscles and tendons.

The pain may be constant or only occur with certain movements. It may also be accompanied by numbness, swelling and tingling.

There are many causes of upper arm pain. An injury like a pulled muscle or broken arm can lead to immediate pain. It could also occur with a rotator cuff injury or a spinal or shoulder injury. The pain may be a symptom of fibromyalgia or may even be a warning sign of an oncoming heart attack.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition as a result of pressure on the median nerve, which is a nerve running through the forearm to a passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel and down to the hand.

While carpal tunnel syndrome is usually attributed to spending too much time typing or using a mouse, other factors can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. A fracture in the wrist may damage the carpal tunnel and median nerve. Rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to problems.

In addition to arm pain, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause weakness, tingling and numbness in the fingers, wrist and forearm. The symptoms usually develop gradually over time and can become constant. People with carpal tunnel syndrome may have trouble grasping objects and typing.

Wrist Pain

There are many causes of wrist pain. You will experience wrist pain after a sprain or fracture. Wrist pain can also result from repetitive use. People who spend a lot of time on their computers or phones may experience wrist pain along with people who play sports or have a job that puts strain on their wrists.

You may experience a sharp or dull pain, depending on the injury. You may also have numbness and tingling, especially with pain caused by long-term use.

Wrist Tendonitis

Your wrist has six tendons, three that bend the wrist forward and three that bend it back. Tendonitis commonly occurs when one or more of the tendons is irritated or inflamed. It's usually located where tendons cross over one another or a bone.

Tendonitis can be caused by an injury or through repeated use. It's characterized by wrist pain, particularly when the wrist is moving. It can also include redness, swelling and a grinding sensation with certain motions.

Elbow Tendonitis

Elbow tendonitis is another name for tennis elbow. There are several tendons connecting the forearm to the elbow. Athletes like tennis players, baseball players and golfers can develop tendonitis. It can also result from other repeated uses or an injury.

It's characterized by a burning pain on the outside part of the elbow. The pain can also spread to the upper and lower arm, the wrist and hands. Simple movements can become increasingly painful.

PLEASE NOTE: The information on this website and article is for information only and should not be used as a substitute for consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and rehabilitation.