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Elbow

The elbow is a complex joint that connects the upper arm to the forearm and allows the arm to bend, extend, and rotate.

Quick version

What is the elbow?

The elbow is a hinge joint that connects the upper arm bone (humerus) with the forearm bones (radius and ulna). The joint consists of three separate joints enclosed in a joint capsule and allows for both flexion/extension and some rotation of the forearm. The elbow is also surrounded by several tendons, ligaments and muscles that stabilize the joint and control movement.

Anatomy of the elbow

The joint consists of three parts: the humeroulnar, humeroradial and radioulnar joints. It is surrounded by a joint capsule, ligaments (including collateral ligaments), bursae (mucous sacs) and several muscle attachments. Nerves that pass nearby, such as the ulnar nerve, can cause symptoms when pinched.

Movement and function

The elbow allows you to both bend and extend the arm and rotate (supination and pronation). It is crucial for our daily activities such as carrying, writing and lifting.

Stress and injuries

The elbow is exposed to repetitive strain in everything from sports, crafts and computer work. This can lead to overuse injuries, inflammation or joint wear in the elbow. Injuries can also occur from falls or direct trauma.

Common conditions and diseases

Pain in the elbow can be due to tennis elbow, mouse elbow, bursitis, ligament injuries, osteoarthritis or pinched nerves. Overuse and misalignment are common causes.

Examination and diagnosis

Diagnosis is made using a physical examination, pain tests, sometimes ultrasound or . The doctor assesses mobility, swelling, pain spread, and nerve involvement to identify the cause.

Relevant symptoms

  • Pain when bending or extending the arm
  • Tenderness over the outside or inside of the elbow
  • Swelling or warmth around the joint
  • Numbness in the forearm or hand
  • Decreased strength in the hand or arm

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Elbow bursitis
  • Ulnar compression
  • Osteoarthritis of the elbow joint

Questions and answers

What is called tennis elbow is an overuse injury to the extensor muscles at the elbow.

Elbow pain is often caused by overuse, inflammation of the tendons (epicondylitis), bursitis or nerve compression. Improper loading is a common cause.

Treatment for elbow pain may include rest, weight-bearing, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or sometimes injections, depending on the cause.

If the pain does not go away with self-care, or if it gets worse or causes numbness/weakness, you should see a doctor for an examination.

Yes, incorrect technique, too heavy a load or repetitive movements during training can cause overload or acute injury to the elbow.

Golfer's elbow is an inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow. It is similar to tennis elbow but is on the opposite side and causes pain when bending.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor makes a clinical assessment of movement, areas of pain and function. Sometimes imaging tests such as MRI are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Avoid repetitive strain, warm up before training, strengthen forearm muscles and adjust working postures to reduce strain.

The ulnar nerve is the best known and runs close to the surface of the inside of the elbow. Pinched nerve can cause numbness in the little and ring fingers.

Tests related to Elbow


MRI Elbow

MRI Elbow

Magnetic resonance imaging
Information

Medical comment included

With us, you will always receive a doctor’s opinion from a licensed physician when you order a medical check-up that includes a medical opinion. The doctor’s opinion includes an overall assessment of your results from laboratory analysis. The opinion is individual and may vary depending on the specific tests your medical check-up includes.

What can I expect in the medical report?

The medical opinion will summarize the results of your test results to give you an assessment of your health including any abnormalities outside the reference ranges. In case of abnormalities or need, your doctor may also contact you for a free conversation to explain and talk about your results. Remember that a health check always includes specific test results based on your health and your personal circumstances. Values outside the reference range should therefore always be discussed with a doctor before any decisions regarding possible treatment are made.

What does the doctor look at during a health check?

When assessing a blood test or health check, your doctor will look at several different parameters to evaluate your health and identify any abnormalities. Below are some common aspects your doctor may examine:

Blood counts: Your doctor will check red, white and platelet counts to identify any signs of anaemia, infection or bleeding.

Nutrients and biochemical markers: Includes, for example, analysis and monitoring of blood sugar (glucose) levels, electrolyte levels (e.g. sodium, potassium), liver function tests (e.g. liver enzymes), kidney function tests (e.g. creatinine, urea) and lipid profile (e.g. cholesterol, triglycerides). The results of the tests give your doctor a better idea of your organ function, blood sugar level, cholesterol conditions and other important health aspects.

Inflammatory markers: Your doctor may measure health markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or red blood cell decrease rate (SR) to evaluate inflammatory conditions or confirm an active infection.

Hormone levels: Your doctor may monitor your hormone levels to assess hormonal imbalances or diseases, such as thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), sex hormones or other specific hormones such as testosterone levels.

Specific tests: Depending on your goal of your health check or medical history, your doctor may look into specific tests to investigate conditions or diseases, such as diabetes, vitamin deficiency or autoimmune diseases.

In conclusion, the doctor weighs all test results based on the health check to assess your overall health, detect any abnormalities and identify possible underlying medical conditions.

What happens if I have abnormal test results?

If your blood count is abnormal, this will be addressed in your personal medical opinion. Depending on the nature and extent of the abnormality, your doctor may also contact you directly through the test result service for further guidance. Various measures and advice will be provided based on the specific abnormalities observed along with your medical history.

Call included

Call included, one of our doctors will contact you.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Elbow
  • Recommended for elbow pain
  • Detailed MRI examination
  • MRI Elbow, referral sent directly

4 495 kr

Symptoms related to Elbow

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