Ask Dr. Kent . . .

I am experiencing pain in my right elbow but it only hurts when I am lifting or carrying something or if I am extending. It is on the outside top of my arm sharp burning pain should I just rest it? Thanks, TS

Dear TS:

One of the most common causes of elbow pain is epicondylitis, which is inflammation of the musculotendonous origin of the common extensor of the lateral elbow muscles or the flexor pronator muscles at the medion elbow. These are sometimes referred to as lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) or medial epicondylitis (golfers elbow.) The cause of this is unknown but could be due to overuse of the elbow that could cause small tears in the tendons resulting in inflammation. Sometimes elbow pain can be caused by nerve compression in the area of tenderness.

Treatment consists of rest or restricting aggravating activities. You can try icing the joint after exercise, a stretching program before physical activity, and anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen.

Some elbow braces are available. Usually this problem is self-limited. If symptoms do not improve with conservative management you should see you physician as an injection of lidocaine and steroid may help. If this does not help, you may need additional studies done.

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