(Climber’s Elbow)
Climber’s elbow presents with pain in the front of the elbow due to strain (overstretching) of the brachialis muscle or strain of the capsule in the front of the elbow joint. The brachialis muscle attaches to bone via tendons. It attaches to the humerus bone (upper arm bone) and to the ulnar bone just below the elbow. It functions to flex (bend) the elbow as climbers hang or pull themselves up. Climber’s elbow is an overuse injury in which the pain starts slowly and gradually gets worse. The capsule in the front of the elbow (anterior capsule) can also become strained and painful by excessive straightening of the elbow.
Frequent Signs and Symptoms
- Pain, aching, tenderness, and sometimes warmth over the front of the elbow
- Pain that is worse with elbow bending against resistance, with rock climbing, or throwing
- Pain that is worse when attempting to completely straighten the elbow
- Crepitation (a crackling sound) when the tendon or elbow is moved or touched
- Inability to completely straighten the elbow