Overused Elbow

An overused elbow occurs when the tendons on the inner or outer side of the elbow joint become overloaded. This can result in sharp, shooting pain that may radiate down into the forearm. Although the skin is not damaged, tiny internal tears can develop. It’s important to treat an overused elbow as soon as possible—for example, by wearing an elbow brace. Read on for more information and solutions for this condition.

What is an overused elbow?

More and more people in the Netherlands experience elbow pain at least once in their lives. This pain is almost always the result of overuse. During everyday movements, the tendons, muscles, and bones sustain minor damage, which usually heals overnight. Rest is often enough to prevent overuse.

Two common complications that may occur when the condition worsens are golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow. In both cases, the tendons are overused—on the inside of the joint in golfer’s elbow and on the outside in tennis elbow.

What are the symptoms of an overused elbow?

How to recognize signs of an elbow injury:

• Persistent pain on the inner or outer side of the elbow
• Stiffness and reduced mobility in the arm
• Tingling that radiates from the arm to the hand
• Pain worsens during certain tasks or movements
• The pain can become unbearable—consult a doctor if this happens

Tennis and golfer’s elbow are not only common among athletes but also among people who perform repetitive arm and hand movements in daily life or at work.

Diagnosis by a doctor

Not sure if your symptoms are caused by an overused elbow? Consult your doctor for a diagnosis. The doctor will examine your arm and ask questions about your daily activities and potential overuse. Possible diagnostic methods include:

• Clinical examination
• Chair test
• Ultrasound imaging
• Diagnostic arthroscopy
• MRI scan

What is the right treatment for an overused elbow?

There are both self-care steps and professional treatment options. The doctor will determine the best treatment based on your situation.

Self-care measures

If you haven’t yet seen a doctor, these steps can help:

• Rest—avoid or limit the repeated arm movements causing strain
• Apply ice for 10 to 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling
• Use a brace for support and pain relief

Professional treatments

If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend:

• Physical therapy (kinesitherapy): stretching and strengthening exercises to improve tendon and muscle function
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy: a focused soundwave that relieves pain and stimulates healing
• Surgery: if the doctor diagnoses tennis or golfer’s elbow, the affected tissue may be surgically removed to reduce inflammation

Preventing an overused elbow

Here are some preventive measures to avoid this condition:

• Ensure your workstation is ergonomically adjusted (proper chair and desk height)
• Alternate repetitive tasks with other activities
• Use supportive tools or equipment during heavy physical tasks
• Exercise regularly to build strength and reduce the risk of overuse

When is an overused elbow fully healed?

Recovery time varies from person to person. If the overuse developed gradually, symptoms may last for an extended period. In cases of tennis elbow, recovery may take anywhere from several months to over a year.

To speed up recovery and support your arm, it can be very helpful to use a Podobrace elbow brace. Not sure which brace is best for your needs, or do you have questions about your symptoms? Contact our team of specialists—we’re happy to provide personal advice to help you recover as quickly as possible.