The broad answer to this question is that you have an entrapped nerve in your elbow. However, it’s also important to discover what is behind the pinching of your elbow nerve.
Your elbow has many nerves in and around it, but the ulnar nerve is the most likely to be entrapped. This nerve runs through the cubital tunnel in your elbow. It helps send signals from your brain to your entire arm. A physical therapist can help you determine what underlying issue is causing your ulnar nerve pinching and elbow pain. Also, they can help you find effective treatment for your elbow pain.
Four common underlying causes of elbow nerve pain
There are many issues that can lead to ulnar nerve entrapment, but there are four underlying causes that are especially likely. These causes include:
- Cubital tunnel syndrome — This condition occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes inflamed where it runs through the cubital tunnel. The inflammation can cause the nerve to be pinched when the elbow is moved or leaned on.
- Olecranon bursitis — Also called elbow bursitis, this is a condition that occurs when the bursa at the point of your elbow is inflamed. This inflammation can reduce space within the elbow and lead to ulnar nerve pinching.
- Osteoarthritis — Like other joints, the elbow contains cartilage that develops wear and tear naturally over your lifetime. This wear and tear can lead to the joint inflammation of elbow osteoarthritis. The joint inflammation caused by this issue can cause the ulnar nerve to be pinched.
- Tendon inflammation — Another issue that can reduce space in the elbow and lead to ulnar nerve entrapment is tendon inflammation. Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are two common causes of elbow tendon inflammation.
How can physical therapists treat your elbow nerve pain?
Once they determine the root cause of your elbow pain, a physical therapist can take steps to treat it. Typically, this will involve building you a customized therapy plan. Such a plan may include therapy methods like:
Find treatment for elbow nerve pain at Panther PT
Are you tired of living with elbow nerve pain? Our Panther Physical Therapy team can help you find treatment that can help decrease your pain. We’ll start by doing a free screening of your elbow to pinpoint the source of your pain. Then, our therapy specialists will build you a unique therapy plan designed to reduce your pain and prevent it from returning.
You can even get help from our team without leaving your home. All you have to do is sign up for an at-home care or virtual therapy session.
Contact our team today for more information about our treatment options for elbow pain or to schedule an initial appointment.