Elbow Trauma
Receiving a direct hit on your elbow is probably the most obvious cause of elbow pain. Even if it wasn’t very severe, it might hurt for a few hours. If that’s the case, imagine how intense pain can be in elbow fractures.
The elbows comprise three bones and three articulations in one. Thus, you can have fractures in the radius head or neck, the distal portion of the humerus, the olecranon, or the proximal ulna.
Radial head and neck fractures usually happen when you fall on your outstretched hand. They usually respond very well to immobilization unless the bones are displaced. Distal humerus fractures are typically caused by falling on your elbow. These fractures may require surgery if the elbow becomes displaced. Fractures in the proximal ulna and olecranon also happen when you land on your elbow and are most likely to undergo surgery.
Besides fractures, elbow trauma also results in dislocation, especially when you fall on your outstretched arm. The weight of your body takes the humerus out of the socket. You may need surgery in these cases, depending on whether on not you also have a fracture.
If you have a history of trauma, that can be the source of the problem. Sometimes, you don’t experience severe elbow pain but sustained and low-grade pain for a very long time. In such cases, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.