The elbow is a major joint that can flex and rotate at the same time. When you turn a door knob and do other twisting motions involving the hand, that motion starts from the elbow joint.

The elbow also includes a number of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to control movement of the arm and hand. Also in the elbow is the funny bone which is actually the ulnar nerve. When you bump it, it gives that familiar tingling sensation.

Like other major joints, the elbow is can suffer from a variety of aches and pains related to overuse and injury. Parts of the elbow can become inflamed, irritated, sprained, torn, and fractured. The elbow can also develop osteoarthritis. This is a "wear and tear" disease affecting the smooth, cushioning cartilage at the ends of bones where they come together to form a joint. As the cartilage is destroyed, the bones rub directly together, causing pain and stiffness. In the elbow, large bony spurs can develop along the margins of the joint, decreasing the range of motion.

Overuse or repetitive motions used in, baseball, tennis, golf, hammering or painting can cause relatively minor problems. They can be treated with a combination of rest, anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen, and physical therapy.

More serious injuries can happen from slip and falls. You instinctively break try to break you fall with your arms. The force of the fall can cause a dislocation, fractures, ligament or tendon damage.

Surgery may be needed because of degenerative condition or because of a traumatic injury. Surgery can be used to remove bone spurs, loose fragments, portions of diseased bone, or totally replace the joint.

Check with your family physician to see which treatment is right for you. If surgery is recommended, ask for a referral to the experts at Michigan Orthopaedic Specialty Hospital , or call 1-888-DMC-2500.