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Elbow Pain
If you have elbow pain, one of several disorders could be the culprit. Overuse and sports injuries cause many elbow conditions. Golfers, baseball pitchers, tennis players, and boxers often have elbow disorders.

Symptoms

Pain
Joint instability
Swelling
Problems with range of motion
Difficulty bending the elbow
A locking sensation in the elbow
A grating sound during movement
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Causes
Broken arm.
Bursitis (joint inflammation)
Dislocated elbow.
Golfer's elbow.
Osteoarthritis (disease causing the breakdown of joints)

Osteochondritis dissecans.

Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease)
Sprains and strains.
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Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the elbow disorder and symptoms you experience. Most elbow disorders require conservative treatment. Surgery is a last resort if your symptoms don’t improve. Your treatment options include:
Ice
Rest
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Physical therapy
Braces or immobilization
Steroid injections
Elbow padding
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Prevention

Most elbow disorders are the result of overuse and injury. You can prevent them by:
Correcting improper sport techniques
Using a proper-sized grip on sports equipment
Using proper tension on racquets
Warming up and stretching properly
Using elbow padding
It’s also important to take breaks from repetitive tasks. Practice exercises that can help strengthen the muscles around your elbow joint. Talk to your doctor for advice and recommendations.