Differential diagnoses | Physiotherapy for elbow arthrosis

Differential diagnoses

Bursitis of the elbow can be very unpleasant and is usually associated with more or less severe pain. Basically, physicians distinguish between different types of bursitis, depending on what the cause of the inflammation is: The symptoms of bursitis of the elbow are pain, swelling and reddening of the joint, which can also be accompanied by restrictions in movement. Depending on the cause of the bursitis, the therapy ranges from simple compresses, cold and heat applications, pain and inflammation inhibiting drugs, cortisone injections, to surgical removal of the bursa (this is usually the case when bacteria are the trigger for the bursitis).

Normally, bursitis of the elbow heals quickly with appropriate therapy.

  • There is atraumatic bursitis, where the inflammation of the tip of the elbow is triggered by repeated irritation (e.g. by resting the elbow on the desk for too long).
  • Bacterial bursitis, in which bacteria have entered the body through a cut or operation, which then causes bursitis.
  • Or a bursitis in which another underlying disease (e.g. gout or rheumatism) is responsible for the inflammation.

Due to its position and length, the biceps tendon is sometimes subject to particularly strong mechanical stimuli.

This can lead to a number of diseases – one of them is inflammation of the biceps tendon. Particularly in the case of repeated strain, e.g. from weight training, but also from previous illnesses (e.g. arthrosis of the shoulder joint or other injuries in this area), signs of wear and tear, advanced age of the patient or postural defects, inflammation of the tendon can be promoted.

In most cases, the long biceps tendon is affected by the inflammation. Patients usually notice this through stabbing or dull pain that can radiate into different areas. The inflammation can usually be felt by a significant warming of the affected area.

People affected by biceps tendon inflammation can no longer move the arm without restrictions or only with pain.How biceps tendon inflammation is treated depends on the underlying cause. As a rule, the treatment includes medication, cold and heat applications, compresses, protection and, if necessary, physiotherapy. It may take up to 6 months for the injury to heal. If you suspect that you have an inflammation of the biceps tendon, it is important to consult a doctor immediately, so that therapy can begin as soon as possible, as otherwise the inflammation can remain very persistent.