Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow. It occurs when the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle—the bony bump on the inside of your elbow—become irritated or develop tiny tears from overuse. Despite its name, it’s not limited to golfers; it can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their wrist and forearm, such as people who lift weights, type frequently, or perform repetitive gripping motions.
Coccydynia is pain located in the tailbone area, which is the small triangular bone at the very bottom of the spine. The discomfort may feel sharp, aching, or pressure-like and is often noticed when sitting, especially on hard surfaces or during movements that place stress on the lower spine. Coccydynia can develop after trauma to the tailbone, repetitive strain, prolonged sitting, or sometimes without a clearly identifiable cause. The
Pelvic pain is discomfort that occurs in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or area between the hip bones. It can feel sharp, dull, aching, or pressure-like depending on the underlying cause. The pelvis contains structures from several body systems, including reproductive organs, the urinary tract, nerves, and supporting muscles, which means pelvic pain can arise from many different sources. Some people experience pain that is constant, while others notice pain that comes and goes or changes with
Vascular pain occurs when there is a problem affecting the blood vessels, which can disrupt normal blood flow to tissues and organs. When blood flow is reduced, blocked, or altered, the affected area may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to pain or discomfort. This type of pain is often described as aching, throbbing, cramping, or pressure-like and may worsen with activity when the body requires more oxygen-rich blood. The location and severity of vascular pain can vary depending
Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone (sternum). This cartilage forms the costosternal joints, which allow the rib cage to move during breathing. When the cartilage becomes inflamed, it can cause sharp or aching pain in the chest, typically on the left side but sometimes on the right. The pain may worsen with deep breaths, coughing, or certain movements of the upper body, because these actions cause the rib cage to expand and move. The
A pudendal nerve block is a medical procedure used to help manage chronic pelvic pain that originates from irritation or inflammation of the pudendal nerve, which supplies sensation to the genital and pelvic floor regions. The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid medication, near the pudendal nerve to interrupt pain signals traveling to the brain. It is often considered when pelvic pain is associated with nerve-related conditions, muscle tension, or pain that affects sitting, sexual
Pelvic pain is discomfort that occurs in the lower abdomen or pelvic region and can vary from mild aching to sharp, intense pain. It may be constant or come and go, and can sometimes spread to the lower back, hips, or thighs. Pelvic pain can be associated with conditions affecting reproductive organs, the urinary system, digestive tract, muscles, or nerves. Because the pelvis houses several vital structures, determining the exact source of pain can sometimes be challenging. Pelvic pain can affect
Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the nerves between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve thickens, often due to repetitive pressure or irritation, leading to burning, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot. Many people describe the sensation as standing on a pebble or having a fold in their sock. Risk factors include wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, certain sports that stress the forefoot,
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic connective tissue disorders characterized by overly flexible joints, fragile skin, and tissue fragility due to defects in collagen, the protein that provides structure and strength to the body. People with EDS often experience joint dislocations, chronic joint pain, skin that bruises easily, and delayed wound healing. Beyond musculoskeletal symptoms, some forms of EDS can affect internal organs, blood vessels, and the cardiovascular system. Chronic pain is a common and often debilitating aspect
Chronic pain is often misunderstood, leading to harmful myths that can affect how people are treated and supported. One common misconception is that chronic pain is “all in someone’s head.” In reality, chronic pain is a complex medical condition involving the nervous system, brain signaling, and sometimes long-term changes in how the body processes pain. Even when an injury has healed or imaging looks normal, the pain can still be very real due to heightened nerve sensitivity. Another myth is
