My elbow hurts when I straighten my arm

The elbow is our elbow joint, which connects our upper arm and forearm. Normally, our arms can move flexibly and freely thanks to the elbow joint. If your elbow hurts when you stretch your arm, and if it is not a coincidence and lasts for a long time, it is most likely caused by some disease. We can have a preliminary understanding of the cause of this disease. So, why does the elbow hurt when you straighten your arm? Let’s take a look below.

What diseases are common in elbow pain

Lateral epicondylitis

Also known as tennis elbow, it is common in tennis athletes. In fact, it is caused by excessive elbow joint activity, which leads to aseptic adhesion between local tendons and bones. In the acute stage, hand movement is limited, and it is more obvious when twisting towels and clothes. It is common in people who have more hand and elbow activities, such as athletes, housewives, etc.

Medial epicondylitis

Also known as golfer's elbow, it is common in golfers. The pathogenesis is similar to that of tennis elbow, and the treatment is also more rest, immobilization, local hot compresses or medication and injection treatment.

Cervical Spondylosis

Patients with cervical spondylosis also occur frequently in clinical practice. It is mainly caused by compression of the intervertebral disc of the lower cervical spine. The elbow joint is painful when moving, which is often obvious during the day and relieved after rest. It is often accompanied by numbness of the hands or decreased strength. The treatment is mainly targeted at cervical spondylosis.

Nerve damage

Nerve damage can cause elbow pain. Most patients have a history of injury. Chronic injury is mainly caused by nerve compression, and treatment mainly focuses on treating the primary disease.

Elbow Osteoarthritis

The most common is traumatic osteoarthritis. For example, elbow pain after surgery may be caused by hyperplasia and degeneration of the elbow joint, and the pain is often persistent.

Elbow pain relief methods

Keep your elbows relaxed

Try to keep your elbow relaxed as much as possible to relieve the pain. Immobilize your elbow as much as possible, as this will relieve elbow pain as quickly as possible. Use elbow pads to prevent elbow injuries.

Ice and Heat

Use ice to reduce swelling. Apply an ice pack to your elbow for 15-20 minutes.

Use heat to relieve joint pain. Place an electric blanket under your elbows. Do not fall asleep while using an electric blanket as it can easily burn your skin.

Vinegar compress

Every night before going to bed, pour old vinegar on a dry towel, wrap it around the elbow joint, and then wrap it with a layer of plastic wrap or plastic cloth. On the one hand, it can fix the area, and on the other hand, it can help with treatment absorption. The next day, you can wring the towel out and dry it, and then apply vinegar in the same way at night. Stick to it for a few days and see the effect.