Painful Bump in Elbow Region: Potential Golfer’s Elbow?
I’m a 25-year-old female who dedicates her work exclusively to computers and tablets in a freelance capacity, resulting in frequent use of my hands. Unfortunately, I’ve experienced some muscle atrophy after an extended period of necessary bed rest, and I'm still in the process of regaining my strength. Recently, I've noticed a substantial lump forming in the inner part of my elbow on my non-dominant side. This area can be quite painful, primarily when pressure is applied. I also feel soreness surrounding the lump and occasional discomfort lower down in my forearm, though it doesn’t appear to be related to the wrist. At times, the pain is so intense that it hinders my ability to bend my arm comfortably. I’m seeking to understand what this might be and how to alleviate it. I have several items at my disposal, including arm strengthening devices, ice packs, and compression sleeves that I wear throughout the day. Despite this, combined with using various over-the-counter pain medications, I haven't achieved any relief. Could this discomfort stem from repetitive strain? For context, I was working shifts of over 16 hours a day for about six weeks, which may have contributed to the issue.
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 8:50:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a painful bump in your elbow area, which could potentially be related to the repetitive strain from your long hours of work, possibly resembling golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis). This type of condition arises from overuse, leading to inflammation and discomfort in the elbow region. The symptoms you're describing—pain, soreness, and a lump—are consistent with this.
Explanation
Golfer's elbow occurs when the tendons on the inside of the elbow become strained. Given your history of extensive computer use and muscle atrophy from bed rest, it's not unusual for your body to respond to these stressors with pain and swelling. The lump you're feeling could be an inflamed bursa (bursitis) or a swelling of the tendons in that area.
Next Steps
Here are prioritized steps to help alleviate your symptoms:
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Rest and Modify Activity: Try to reduce activities that exacerbate the pain, such as prolonged computer use or gripping tasks. Alternate between periods of rest and gentle stretching of the elbow and forearm.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially after any activity that causes discomfort. This can help reduce inflammation and numb pain.
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Compression: Continue using your compression sleeve to help minimize swelling and provide support to the area.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Engage in gentle stretching of your forearm muscles. Once you feel comfortable, introduce strengthening exercises, such as wrist curls or grip strengthening, using light weights.
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Pain Management: If over-the-counter pain medications have not been effective, consider alternating between acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, following the recommended dosage.
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Ergonomic Adjustments: Examine your workspace; ensure your computer setup allows for a neutral wrist position. Consider using voice recognition software or ergonomic tools to reduce strain.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when pain occurs, its intensity, and any activities that worsen or improve it. This will help you identify patterns and make necessary adjustments.
If your symptoms do not improve over the next few weeks, or if they worsen, it might be beneficial to explore professional treatment options, such as physical therapy, which can provide tailored exercises and support. Please take care, and let me know if you have any further questions or need additional guidance.
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