Date :Wednesday, May 14, 2008 Time: 10:50:28 AM

Injuries in Athletics
:: Articles by :: 
Meera Thakkar, MSc sport and exercise science, UK

Ankle

Calf / Shin

Knee

Hamstring

Back Pain

Shoulder Pain

Elbow Pain

Wrist pain

INJURY PREVENTION SECTION

Elbow Strain

Prolonged overuse of muscle tendon units in the elbow causes elbow strain. 
Also sudden forceful hyperextensions of the elbow and a single violent injury or force 
applied to the elbow are all causes of an elbow strain. 
The risk increases with contact sports, racquet sports, throwing sports, 
any cardiovascular medical problem that result in decreased circulation, medical history of 
any bleeding disorder, obesity, poor nutrition, previous elbow injury and poor muscle conditioning.

Definition: injury to the muscles or tendons that attach to bones in the elbow.
Muscles, tendons and bones comprise units. These units stabilize the elbow joint and 
allow its motion. A strain occurs at a unit’s weakest part. Strains are of three types:

1) Mild (grade 1) – slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. 
There is no loss of strength. 

2) Moderate (Grade 2): tearing of fibers of the muscle, tendon or at the attachment to bone. 
Strength is diminished. 

3) Severe (Grade 3): rupture of the muscle-tendon-bone attachment with separation of fibers. 
Severe strain requires surgical repair. Chronic strains are caused by overuse. 
Acute strains are caused by direct injury or overstress. 

http://www.orthosurg.biz/images/Lateral%20epicondyle.png

Signs and Symptoms

• Pain when moving or stretching the elbow.
• Muscle spasm in the elbow area
• Swelling over the injury
• Loss of strength (moderate or severe strain)
• “Crackling feeling and sound when the injured area is pressed with fingers
• Calcification of muscles or tendons (visible with X-rays)
• Inflammation of a tendon sheath

How to prevent

ü      Participate in a strengthening and conditioning program appropriate for your sport.

ü      Warm up before practice or competition. Include adequate stretching.

ü      Tape the elbow area before practice or competition to prevent recurrence of injury.

ü      Wear proper protective equipment, such as elbow pads, for participation in contact sports.

How to treat

·        First Aid- Use R.I.C.E technique (rest, ice, compression, elevation).

Continuing Care

If casts or splints are used:

Be sure to keep fingers free and exercise them frequently

If casts or splints are not used:

·        Continue using an ice pack 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. 
Fill a large Styrofoam cup with water and freeze. 
Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. 
Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.

·        After 24 hours, apply heat instead of ice if it feels better. 
Use hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads or heat ointments.

·        Wrap the injured elbow with an elasticized bandage between treatments.

·        Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Activity

·        For a moderate or severe injury, use crutches for at least 72 hours- longer with a cast or splints.

·        Resume your normal activities gradually.

       Diet

·        During recovery, eat a well balanced diet that includes extra protein, 
such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to 
prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Rehabilitation 

·        Begin daily rehabilitation exercises when supportive wrapping is no longer needed. 
Use ice massage for 10 minutes prior to exercise.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF

·        You have symptoms of a moderate or severe elbow strain or a mild injury persists 
longer than 10 days.

·        Pain or swelling worsens despite treatment.

·        Either of the following occurs with a cast or splints:

Pain, numbness or coldness below the injury.

Dusky, blue or grey fingernails.

Reference         
Griffith, W. (1989) ‘Sports Injuries’, HP Books, California