Main Research Findings

This literature review summarizes various factors and their mechanisms that cause elbow pain and disorders, based on multiple research data. It suggests that repetitive motions and trauma are particularly likely to cause elbow pain and disorders. It also explains how these factors affect elbow tissues and cause pain and dysfunction, and the specific mechanisms are explained.

Reasons for the Causes

Elbow pain can be caused by a variety of activities in everyday life, such as sports and work. In particular, activities that involve repeating the same motion can increase the burden on elbow tissues, leading to pain and inflammation.

General Causes

Overuse

Sports that put repetitive stress on the elbow, such as tennis and baseball, can be a cause of elbow pain. This is suggested by studies such as and 3 . Activities that involve repeating the same motion for long periods of time can also cause pain due to overuse of the elbow. .

Trauma

Trauma to the elbow, such as falls or collisions, that causes direct impact can also cause elbow pain. Also, a study in suggests that baseball pitching motion can cause ligament damage in the elbow.

Aging

As people age, elbow tissues become weaker and more susceptible to pain and inflammation. Also, a study in investigated degeneration of the elbow joint in dogs, suggesting that aging of tissues can cause elbow pain and dysfunction.

Other Causes

Besides the above, various factors can cause elbow pain, such as nerve compression and joint inflammation. For example, a study in suggests that thoracic outlet syndrome can cause elbow pain, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and hand dystrophy.

Countermeasures for Causes

Exercise therapy

Exercises to strengthen elbow muscles and improve flexibility can help prevent and improve elbow pain. In particular, exercises that strengthen the muscles around the elbow have been shown to be effective in studies such as . Flexibility exercises, such as stretching and yoga, can also be expected to reduce elbow pain.

Pharmacotherapy

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce elbow pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections can more effectively suppress inflammation, but long-term use should be avoided.

Surgery

Surgery is considered if conservative therapy is ineffective. For example, a study in shows that arthroscopic surgery is effective for treating various lesions that cause elbow pain.

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities of Studies

Multiple studies show that repetitive motions and trauma are likely to cause elbow pain. It is also common that strengthening elbow muscles and improving flexibility are effective ways to prevent and improve elbow pain.

Differences Between Studies

Each study has considered different perspectives on the causes, mechanisms, and treatments of elbow pain. For example, a study in suggests that trauma can cause osteochondral lesions of the elbow. On the other hand, a study in suggests that the type of sport can affect the tissue that causes elbow pain.

Cautions for Application to Real Life

The research findings presented in this literature review provide valuable information about the causes, mechanisms, and treatments of elbow pain. However, these research findings are just research findings and should be applied to individual patients with caution. If you experience elbow pain, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Limitations of Current Research

There is still much that is unknown about the causes, mechanisms, and treatments of elbow pain, and further research is needed. In particular, a study in reported a new pathology called ossification of the posterior capitellum, and further research is needed in the future.

Future Research Directions

In order to better understand the causes of elbow pain and develop effective treatments in the future, the following research is needed.

• Research on the effects of repetitive motions and trauma on elbow tissues
• Development of exercise therapy to prevent elbow pain
• Development of new treatments for elbow pain

Conclusion

Elbow pain can be caused by a variety of factors. In order to continue activities in everyday life, such as sports and work, it is important to prevent elbow pain and seek appropriate treatment early. This literature review presents the latest research on the causes, mechanisms, and treatments of elbow pain. Please refer to this information and make an effort to prevent and improve elbow pain.