Activities that may cause overuse elbow injuries

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Activities that may cause overuse elbow injuries

Many daily activities or sports activities require the arm to be used in a repeated movement. The repeated activity stresses the elbow joint and other tissues and may lead to irritation and inflammation. If this is not treated and the overuse continues, small tears (microtears) and tissue damage (especially to tendons) may develop. The following are examples of activities that may lead to an overuse injury.

Bowling may cause biceps tendinopathy and affect the radial nerve.
Boxing may cause triceps tendinopathy.
Football, wrestling, or basketball may cause olecranon bursitis.
Golf may cause golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis).
Gymnastics may cause biceps or triceps tendinopathy.
Racquet sports may cause triceps tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and affect the radial and ulnar nerves.
Rowing may affect the radial nerve.
Skiing may affect the ulnar nerve.
Swimming may affect the radial nerve.
Throwing may cause triceps tendinopathy, golfer's elbow, or Little Leaguer's elbow in children and affects the ulnar nerve.
Weight lifting may cause biceps or triceps tendinopathy and affects the radial and ulnar nerve.

Credits

Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	April 3, 2007

Last updated:	April 03, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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