Student’s elbow is a condition marked by swelling, redness, and pain at the end of the elbow. If the root cause of this injury is due to an infection, fever may be present. Student’s elbow is relatively common and is one of the most common types of bursitis.
There are many causes of student’s elbow but the most common of all the causes is trauma, it could either be a direct blow or small lumps or pressure which is applied over time. Student’s elbow is often observed in students or office workers who have long been resting on hard desks or armrests. However, its appearance does not apply to any particular age or ethnic group.
Student’s elbow may also be caused by infection or autoimmune diseases. However, a certain cause can sometimes not be determined. The condition is called student’s elbow, simply because students often rely on the elbows while studying causing the inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac.
What are the Causes of Student's Elbow?
There are many possible causes of student’s elbow:
1. Mild but continuous injury. This is considered to be a common cause of student’s elbow. For example, individual who rely too much on their elbows results in friction and repeated mild injury to the elbow.
2. Recurrent movement of the elbow. This may be a cause for some athletes. Athletes whose sports throwing by raising their arms above the head (such as cricket or baseball players, javelin throwers) or weightlifters.
3. Injuries that come and go. A hit of the back of the elbow may trigger inflammation.
4. Arthritis. Arthritis causes inflammation of one or more bursa. The types of arthritis that may be associated with student’s elbow include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and ankylosing spondylitis.
5. Infection of the bursa. This can happen if there is a cut in the skin over a bursa which gives rooms for germs to get in (bacteria). Some diseases can make the infection more likely - for example, diabetes or conditions in which the immune system does not function normally. The cause of infection is not always obvious.
6. Idiopathic cause. Many cases occur for no reason. However, it is possible that some of these occur because of a mild injury which has been forgotten.
What are the Symptoms of Student's Elbow?
Below are some of the most prevalent symptoms of students’ elbow:
• Pain while resting and during exercise.
• There will be a painful swelling at the back of the elbow.
• Decreased movement of the elbow.
Student's Elbow Treatment
Treatment for Student's Elbow requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your elbow. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your elbow to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
