Whether you're a weekend warrior, desk worker, or full-time athlete, elbow pain can strike unexpectedly and when it does, it can seriously impact your daily activities. At Vancity Physio, we see patients of all ages dealing with elbow issues, from minor discomfort to chronic pain that limits movement and function.
In this blog, we'll break down the basics of elbow anatomy, common causes of elbow pain, and how physiotherapy can help you get back to doing what you love.
The elbow is a complex hinge joint where three bones meet: the humerus (upper arm), and the radius and ulna (forearm). It's supported by muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage that allow for both bending (flexion/extension) and rotation (pronation/supination) of the forearm.
Because it’s involved in so many motions — typing, lifting, throwing, even brushing your teeth the elbow is prone to overuse and strain.
Here are some of the most common elbow conditions we see at Vancity Physio:
Despite the name, you don’t need to play tennis to get this! Tennis elbow is caused by repetitive stress to the extensor tendons on the outside of the elbow, often from computer work, lifting, or tools.
Symptoms: Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow, weakened grip strength.
Similar to tennis elbow but affects the inner part of the elbow. It’s often triggered by repetitive wrist flexion or gripping motions.
Symptoms: Pain on the inside of the elbow, stiffness, and sometimes tingling in the fingers.
The olecranon bursa is a fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow that can become inflamed due to trauma, pressure, or infection.
Symptoms: Swelling at the tip of the elbow, tenderness, and limited movement.
This happens when the ulnar nerve gets compressed (often at the funny bone), leading to numbness and tingling in the ring and pinky fingers.
Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, especially when the elbow is bent.
At Vancity Physio, our physiotherapists take a personalized, hands-on approach to managing elbow pain. Your treatment plan may include:
Our goal is to not only reduce your pain but address the root cause and prevent future flare-ups.
Don’t wait until elbow pain disrupts your lifestyle. If you're experiencing:
it's time to book an assessment. Early treatment leads to faster recovery.
Elbow pain doesn't have to limit your movement or quality of life. Our experienced team at Vancity Physio is here to guide you through recovery with expert care and a tailored plan.
👉 Book your appointment today 604-398-5584 and take the first step toward pain-free movement.
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