At first, the elbow seems like a simple hinge. But when the complexity of the interaction of the elbow with the forearm and wrist is understood, it is easy to see why the elbow can cause problems when it does not function correctly. Part of what makes us human is the way we are able to use our hands. Effective use of our hands requires stable, painless elbow joints. The bones of the elbow are the humerus (the upper arm bone), the ulna (the larger bone of the forearm), and the radius (the smaller bone of the forearm). The elbow itself is essentially a hinge joint. But there is a second articulation where the end of the radius (the radial head) meets the humerus. This joint allows you to rotate your palm up and down around your forearm. At the same time, it has to slide against the end of the humerus as the elbow bends and straightens as well as rotating around the ulna.

COMMON ELBOW CONDITIONS
Tennis Elbow is a painful condition involving the extensor tendon insertion on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow. Gripping or extending your wrist can aggravate the symptoms, and pain can radiate down the arm. The usual cause is over activity causing inflammation of these tendons.

Ulnar nerve entrapment is caused by an irritation or pressure on the ulnar nerve at the inside (medial side) of the elbow. The ulnar nerve is essentially the "funny bone" and gives sensation to the small and ring finger. When it becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause numbness or tingling of the ring and small finger, especially at night or with elbow flexion.


FOR FURTHER ARM AND ELBOW INFORMATION, CLICK A LINK BELOW:

• Broken Arm
• Olecranon Fracture
• Radial Head Fracture
• Tennis Elbow
• Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
• Elbow Bursitis