Armbar Injuries: Elbow Pain Explained

Elbow hurt after an armbar? We’ve all been there!

In this video we dive into what might be causing the pain if you have got an injury from an armbar. At Grapplers Performance we find that elbow injuries are some of the most common to occur in BJJ, often due to armbars.

Following an injury to the elbow from an armbar, understanding what structures in the elbow were likely injured can help to assess and treat the injury appropriately.

After a hyper-extension (armbar) injury, typically you can expect pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of full range of movement, and tender and/or sensitive spots at the inside and front of elbow.

Also common are total or partial ruptures to the common flexor tendons, partial or full rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and bone bruises and/or fracture of the elbow joint.

For the rest of the month we’re focusing in on armbars and will be sharing how to test for fractures as well as how to reduce pain and swelling.

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