What is an Elbow Sprain/Strain?
An elbow sprain or strain involves an injury to the soft tissues of the elbow. Sprains involve injury to one or more of the three ligaments (the bands of tissue that connect bones together) within the joint, the radial or ulnar collateral ligaments or the annular ligament of radius. Strains refer to injuries of muscles and tendons surrounding the joint, the lateral or medial epicondyle. Sprains of the elbow are less common than strains. Common elbow strains include conditions such as tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. What causes an Elbow Sprain/Strain? Most elbow sprains occur when there is a traumatic impact to the elbow that causes it to twist sharply or bend sideways or backward in an unnatural motion. This can occur during a fall or during contact sports or other types of collisions (such as motor vehicle accidents). Elbow strains usually occur from acute or chronic (repetitive) overuse or overstretching of the muscles or tendons in the elbow, arm or wrist. What are the symptoms of
