What is Elbow Catching?
Elbow catching, also known as elbow locking, refers to a sensation or experience of the elbow joint "catching" or getting stuck during movement. It can be accompanied by pain, snapping, or a feeling of instability in the elbow. It can occur for a few moments or a longer period.
Elbow catching can hinder the smooth range of motion and may indicate an underlying condition affecting the joint.
How Does Elbow Catching Impact Your Anatomy and Health?
Elbow catching can be a symptom of underlying problems in the elbow joint, such as loose bodies (small fragments of bone or cartilage), osteoarthritis, or specific types of injuries. It affects the normal function of your elbow, and depending on the severity, it can significantly impact daily activities such as lifting, carrying, or even simply bending your arm.
Who is Most at Risk for Elbow Catching?
Elbow catching can affect individuals of all ages, but certain factors can increase the risk. People involved in repetitive or strenuous activities that put excessive stress on the elbow joint, such as athletes, weightlifters, and manual labourers, may be more prone to developing elbow catching.
Additionally, those with underlying conditions like arthritis or previous elbow injuries may be at a higher risk.
Causes of Elbow Catching
The sensation of elbow catching can stem from various underlying causes. Here are some common factors that can contribute to elbow catching:
- Loose Bodies:
Small fragments of bone or cartilage can become dislodged within the elbow joint. These loose bodies can interfere with the joint's smooth movement, causing it to catch or lock during motion.
- Bone Spurs:
Over time, the development of bony growths called osteophytes can occur in response to joint degeneration, such as in cases of osteoarthritis. These bone spurs can impinge on surrounding structures and contribute to elbow catching.
- Ligament or Tendon Injuries:
These can result in joint instability and catching sensations. Ligament or tendon tears, strains, or repetitive stress injuries can disrupt the joint's normal movement.
- Inflammation and Swelling:
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation within the elbow joint. The resulting swelling and inflammation can lead to a feeling of catching during movement.
- Nerve Instability:
This can produce abnormal sensations and affect joint function. Conditions such as ulnar nerve subluxation can cause a snapping sensation, which may feel like catching.
- Elbow Joint Instability:
This can occur due to ligamentous laxity or repetitive dislocations. The joint's unstable nature can cause episodes of catching or snapping sensations during movement.
- Overuse or Repetitive Movements:
Engaging in repetitive activities or overusing the elbow joint, such as in sports or certain occupations, can put excessive stress on the joint. It can lead to wear and tear, resulting in elbow catching.
- Previous Elbow Injuries:
Prior trauma, fractures, dislocations, or untreated injuries to the elbow can contribute to the development of catching sensations. Scar tissue formation or residual damage from past injuries may affect the joint's smooth motion.
Symptoms of Elbow Catching
The primary symptom of elbow catching is the sensation of the joint getting caught or stuck during movement. Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
Other accompanying symptoms may include:
- pain
- a snapping or popping sound
- limited range of motion
- joint stiffness
- swelling
- instability
Types of Elbow Catching
Elbow catching can manifest in different forms, depending on the underlying cause and mechanisms involved. Here are some common types of elbow catching:
- Mechanical Elbow Catching:
Occurs when a physical obstruction within the joint interferes with the smooth movement of the elbow. It can be caused by loose bodies, such as bone fragments or cartilage, dislodging within the joint space. These loose bodies can get caught between the joint surfaces, leading to a catching or locking sensation during elbow motion.
- Ligamentous Elbow Catching:
This is associated with instability or laxity of the ligaments that support the elbow joint. When the ligaments are damaged, stretched, or torn, they may not effectively stabilise the joint, resulting in abnormal movement and catching sensations. It can occur due to injuries such as sprains, repetitive stress, or chronic instability.
- Nerve-Related Elbow Catching:
Characterised by abnormal sensations caused by nerve instability and irritation. The ulnar nerve can become unstable due to various factors, including anatomical abnormalities, repetitive motions, or trauma. This can lead to sensations of catching, snapping, or tingling in the elbow.
- Arthritic Elbow Catching:
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other forms of joint inflammation can result in degeneration, cartilage loss, bone spurs, or joint irregularities. These changes can disrupt the smooth movement of the elbow joint, causing catching or locking sensations during motion.
- Instability-Related Elbow Catching:
Elbow instability refers to excessive motion or looseness in the joint. It can occur due to ligamentous injuries, previous dislocations, or hypermobility. Elbow instability can lead to abnormal joint mechanics, resulting in catching or snapping sensations during movement.
- Flexor/Extensor Tendon-Related Elbow Catching:
Involves the tendons that attach muscles to the bones in the elbow joint. Conditions such as tendinitis, tenosynovitis, or tendon subluxation can cause the tendons to catch or snap across bony structures during elbow motion.
Stages of Elbow Catching
Elbow catching may progress through various stages, depending on the underlying cause and duration of the condition. While the specific stages can differ, they generally include the following:
- Early Stage: Occasional catching or snapping sensations with minimal discomfort.
- Intermediate Stage:
More frequent episodes of catching, accompanied by pain or limited range of motion.
- Advanced Stage:
Persistent catching, significant pain, joint instability, and functional limitations.
Elbow Catching Diagnosis
Diagnosing elbow catching involves a comprehensive evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon. The diagnosis may include:
- Medical History: a detailed discussion about the symptoms, previous injuries, and activities aggravating or alleviating the catching sensation
- Physical Examination:
Your doctor will assess the elbow joint's range of motion, stability, and tenderness and look for signs of swelling or deformity.
- Imaging Tests:
X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasounds may be ordered to visualise the structures within the elbow joint and identify any abnormalities, such as loose bodies, bone spurs, or ligament injuries.
Elbow Catching Treatment
Treatment options for elbow catching depend on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. The primary goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, improve joint function, and address the root cause of elbow catching. Here are some common treatment approaches:
Conservative Measures
- Rest: Avoid activities that worsen symptoms and give the elbow joint time to heal.
- Activity Modification:
Modify or avoid repetitive or strenuous activities contributing to elbow catching.
- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a customised exercise program to improve range of motion, strength and joint stability. It may include stretching, strengthening, and range of motion exercises to restore proper elbow function.
- Pain Management:
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation. Pain management techniques such as ice or heat therapy may also be beneficial.
Immobilisation
- Splint or Brace:
In cases where the elbow catching is related to specific movements, a splint or brace may be prescribed to immobilise the joint and allow for healing and stability.
Injections
- Corticosteroid Injections:
Inflammation within the joint can be reduced by injecting corticosteroids. It can provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
Surgical Intervention
- Arthroscopic Surgery: In cases with loose bodies, damaged ligaments, or cartilage abnormalities causing the elbow catching, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. This minimally invasive procedure involves using a small camera and specialised instruments to repair or remove complex structures.
- Ligament Reconstruction:
If elbow instability is causing the catching sensation, ligament reconstruction surgery may be necessary. It involves using grafts to reconstruct and stabilise the damaged ligaments.
- Joint Replacement: In severe cases of joint degeneration, joint replacement surgery may be considered. It involves replacing the damaged elbow joint with an artificial joint.
What if Elbow Catching is Untreated?
Leaving elbow catching untreated can lead to several potential consequences. These may include chronic pain, worsening joint instability, further joint damage, functional limitations, decreased quality of life, and potentially the development of secondary complications.