YOUR body can tell you all sorts of things about your health.
Your hair falling out might hint at alopecia or 'fruity' breath could point to you having diabetes.
One place you might never have though to check is your elbows.
From flaky skin to aches and swelling, here are seven things your elbows can tell you – and when it might be a good idea to seek medical help.
1. Eczema
Eczema can occur anywhere on the body, but it's particularly common on the inside of the elbows, as well and the hands and the back of the knees on adults.
It causes skin to become itchy, dry, cracked and sore, looking red and inflamed on white skin and darker brown, purple or grey on brown or black skin
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The most common form, atopic eczema, varies from mild to severe and sufferers can experience flare-ups as often as two or three times a month.
It's a good idea to seek medical advice in order to manage the condition.
2. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that can affect any part of the body, but it usually appears on the elbows, knees, or scalp.
It causes flaky patches of skin – usually pink, red or dark purple – which form scales that are white or grey.
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The condition affects about two in every 100 people in the UK, according to the NHS.
It's a good idea to see a GP if you think you have psoriasis and they can help with treatment.
3. Bursitis
Bursitis happens when the fluid-filled sacs- called bursa – that cushion your joints become inflamed.
If you sustain a hard blow to your elbow, your bursa there can produce excess fluid and swell, causing a pocket of liquid to form over the pointy bit and the skin on the back of the elbow to become loose.
According to OrthoInfo, people in certain occupations, such as plumbers, can be particularly vulnerable to bursitis.
According to the NHS, you might have bursitis if one of your joints is:
- painful – usually a dull, achy pain
- tender or warmer than surrounding skin
- swollen
- more painful when you move it or press on it
You can rest your elbow, ice it and take painkillers, but see a GP if your symptoms haven't improved or are getting worse after one to two weeks.
4. Tendonitis
This occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed after an injury, causing swelling.
You might experience pain in your elbow – or other joints – and stiffness, while not being able to move it properly.
But if it's mild, you should be able to treat a tendon injury at home with rest, ice packs and support such as an elastic bandage.
You should feel better in two to three weeks.
5. Joint infection
If you have:
- severe joint pain in places like your elbow that starts suddenly
- swelling around it
- a change in the colour of your skin around the joint
- a high temperature or feel hot and shivery and generally unwell
These might be sign of septic arthritis, which is a serious joint infection.
Symptoms of septic arthritis usually develop quickly over a few days and need to be checked straight away so you should book an urgent GP appointment, NHS guidance stresses.
6. Tennis elbow
Tennis elbow – also known as lateral epicondylitis – is a condition causing pain in the outside of this body part.
It can occur repeatedly using the muscles of the forearm that sit near your elbow joint, in activities such as tennis – hence the name.
It might make it difficult to extend your arm and you might notice pain in your elbow and travelling down your forearm when:
- lifting or bending your arm
- gripping small objects like pens
- twisting your forearm, such as turning a door handle or opening a jar
Aim to avoid activity that causes you pain and rest for a few days, but see a GP if symptoms don't improve.
7. Angina
In some instances, elbow pain can actually be a symptom of heart problems such as angina – chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
It's not usually life threatening but it could be red flag for heart attack or stroke risk, according to NHS guidance.
Most people will experience tightness or a dull, heavy pain in their chest, triggered by exercise or stress that stops after a few minutes of rest.
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Oftentimes, that pain will spread your arms, elbows, neck, jaw or back.
If you haven't been diagnosed with angina, get an urgent GP appointment if you experience this kind of pain.
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