The biceps muscle attaches to the near the elbow joint. If the biceps tendon ruptures or detaches from the bone, you may still be able to bend the elbow and twist the forearm, however, strength is reduced mainly in twisting the forearm. As the tendon disconnects, there is often a feeling or the sound of a pop in the elbow. Some swelling in the front of the elbow is likely. There is weakness when bending the elbow. The biceps muscle and tendon can recoil and shorten, creating a firm swelling in the upper arm and a gap that can often be felt. Both non-surgical and surgical options are available.

For more information see the AAOS


Throwing Injuries

With the start of the baseball season each spring, doctors frequently see an increase in elbow problems in young baseball players. A common elbow problem is Little Leaguer's Elbow. Injury occurs when the repetitive throwing creates an excessively strong pull on elbow tendons and ligaments. The young player feels pain at the knobby bump on the inside of the elbow.

Little Leaguer's Elbow may cause pain on the inside of the elbow. A child should stop throwing if any of the following symptoms appear:

• Elbow pain
• Restricted range of motion
• Locking of the elbow joint

For more information see the AAOS



Finger Numbness - Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

Ulnar nerve entrapment occurs when one of the nerves in the arm (the ulnar nerve) becomes compressed and can't function normally. This can give symptoms of "falling asleep" in the ring finger and little finger, especially when the elbow is bent. You may have aching pain on the inside of the elbow. In some cases, you may have trouble moving the fingers in and out, or manipulating objects.

Carpal tunnel syndrome has similar symptoms but involves a different nerve (the median nerve). Carpal tunnel syndrome typically causes tingling in the thumb, index finger and long finger. Always see an orthopaedist if you are having symptoms of ulnar nerve entrapment that interfere with normal activities or last more than a few weeks. Both non-surgical and surgical options are available.

For more information see the AAOS