ELBOW

Common elbow sports conditions often arise from repetitive motions and high-impact activities, leading to various injuries that affect athletes across different sports. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are prevalent overuse injuries characterized by inflammation of the tendons on the outer and inner sides of the elbow, respectively, causing pain and tenderness. Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are particularly common among throwing athletes, like baseball pitchers, who put significant stress on the inner elbow, potentially leading to ligament tears or ruptures. Olecranon bursitis, resulting from direct blows or repeated pressure on the elbow, causes swelling and discomfort due to inflammation of the bursa. Elbow dislocations, often from falls or collisions, can lead to severe pain and loss of joint function. Flexor tendinitis and distal biceps tendon ruptures, stemming from overuse or sudden heavy lifting, further illustrate the range of conditions that can impact elbow health in sports, highlighting the importance of proper technique, conditioning, and timely medical intervention.

Distal biceps injuries involve the tearing or rupturing of the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the forearm at the elbow. This injury typically results from sudden, forceful activities such as lifting heavy weights or a sudden increase in physical exertion. Patients with distal biceps injuries often experience severe pain, swelling, and a noticeable deformity in the upper arm, along with reduced strength in elbow flexion and forearm rotation. Surgical treatment is almost always recommended with rare exception for active individuals, involving a procedure known as biceps tendon repair or reattachment. During surgery, the damaged tendon is reattached to its original insertion point on the forearm using sutures or anchors. Post-surgery, a structured rehabilitation program is crucial for restoring strength, range of motion, and functional use of the arm, allowing patients to return to their pre-injury activities with improved stability and performance.