If you’ve always wondered about your elbow and the purpose its pointed end serves, you may be surprised to learn it does serve an important purpose. Those small bony points around the elbow described as “elbow balls” are much more than anatomical bumps. They serve as anchor hubs for major muscles and ligaments, absorbing the force of nearly every grip, lift, twist and rotation we perform. When these points start to hurt, doctors say it’s rarely random: it’s a sign that these high-demand structures are taking more strain than they can handle.
What are the elbowballs
The elbow may look like a simple hinge, but it’s a complex joint. The small bony points , the medial epicondyle (inside), lateral epicondyle (outside) and the olecranon (back) — act as major load-bearing structures that help the arm bend, straighten, rotate and grip.
“These bony ends form the attachments for ligaments that give stability and muscles that provide movement and strength,” says J. Panthala Rajakumaran, consultant orthopaedic surgeon, VS Hospitals, Chennai. “Together, they support complex movements including flexion, extension and pronation-supination.”
Manoj Muthu, associate consultant, orthopaedics, SIMS Hospital, Chennai, adds, “Those small bumps you feel are strong anchors. Without them, the wrist and forearm muscles wouldn’t be able to pull, lift or grip well.”
The olecranon — the pointed bone at the back of the elbow is just as important. “It articulates with the humerus (upper arm bone) and is key to bending and straightening the elbow,” notes Venkataramanan Swaminathan, senior consultant orthopedic surgeon, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Chennai.
These anchor points also keep the joint stable. “If the epicondyles don’t function properly, any activity involving lifting, gripping or twisting can become painful,” says Dheeraj Bhateja, consultant, orthospine & orthopaedics, Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon.
Why these points become painful
Everyday actions including typing, chopping vegetables, lifting bags, riding a two-wheeler and playing racquet sports can overload the tendons attached to these bony tips. “Sports including tennis, badminton and golf, or even daily tasks like cooking and carrying heavy bags, can overwork these tendons,” says Dr. Manoj Muthu. “That’s when we see tennis elbow on the outside and golfer’s elbow on the inside.”
Repetitive micro-trauma is the most common culprit. “Chronic wrist overuse causes micro-tears or swelling in the tendons,” explains Dr. Rajakumaran. “It’s most often seen in tennis, golf and athletic populations.”
Swelling or pain at the tip of the elbow may signal bursitis. “Olecranon bursitis is very common in students who continually lean on the table while studying,” he adds.
Bursitis is also familiar to manual labourers. “It is inflammation of the small fluid sac at the back of the elbow, often caused by long hours of handling weights,” says Dr. Swaminathan.
Tendon irritation from activities beyond one’s threshold is another pathway to pain. “Household activities, gym routines and weight lifting beyond capacity often result in tendinitis,” notes Dr. Bhateja.
A surprising percentage of patients misread the source of their discomfort. “Many are shocked when we tell them the cause of their elbow pain actually starts in the wrist,” says Dr. Rajakumaran.
Age also plays a role. Tendons stiffen over time, making middle-aged and elderly individuals more vulnerable. “Elderly women performing repetitive chores for years often develop tennis or golfer’s elbow from chronic strain,” Dr. Rajakumaran observes.
Meanwhile, young “weekend warriors” injure themselves by doing too much, too soon. “Sudden unaccustomed load is a common cause,” he says.
What to do when elbows hurt
Doctors follow a predictable diagnostic pathway .“We examine which movements cause pain, check grip strength and observe wrist mechanics,” says Dr. Manoj Muthu. “If required, we order X-rays, ultrasounds or MRIs to examine the tendons.” Radiology helps refine treatment. “X-rays show traction osteophytes or arthritis, and ultrasounds can pick up swellings or tears,” adds Dr. Rajakumaran.
“Rest, ice or warm compresses, short-term anti-inflammatory medicines and physiotherapy form the first line of treatment,” says Dr. Manoj. Physiotherapy is crucial. “Proper stretching and strengthening exercises are essential for long-term relief,” emphasises Dr. Bhateja. “Resistance exercises, isometrics and ROM (range of motion) routines help tendons heal.”
Braces also help .“A single tennis elbow brace can significantly reduce pain,” says Dr. Rajakumaran. More advanced treatments include: shockwave therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Rarely, surgical release for stubborn tendon attachments may be recommended.
“When diagnosed early, 90% of people get better with wrist-position correction and tendon rehabilitation,” Dr. Rajakumaran says.
“A few minutes a day can protect the elbow,” says Dr. Manoj .“Light-weight wrist strengthening, grip work, forearm stretches and shoulder training reduce strain tremendously.” Dr. Swaminathan adds: “Once pain settles, strengthening is the ultimate management.”
