Depending on the location and type of injury, elbow and arm pain can be a serious medical concern. Some common injuries that can cause pain are Dislocated elbow, Biceps tendinitis, Tennis elbow, Rheumatoid arthritis, and Osteoarthritis.
Tennis elbow
Often called lateral epicondylitis, this condition can cause intense pain in the elbow. It is usually caused by repetitive motions that strain the muscles and tendons in your forearm. You may also experience pain in the shoulder and wrist.
There are a number of things you can do to treat tennis elbow. These may include modifying your technique, resting your arm, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, you may even need surgery. The best way to treat tennis elbow is to treat the cause of the condition.
One of the most obvious solutions is to strengthen the muscles in your forearm. This will help take the strain off your elbow and reduce your risk of injury. You may also want to buy a wrist pad for your computer to keep your hands level while typing.
In addition, you may want to consider wearing an elbow wrap to keep your arm warm. If your pain is severe, you may want to elevate your arm above your heart.
A cold compress may also help. It is also a good idea to look into a counterforce brace. These can be purchased at most drug stores. This will help support the muscles in your forearm and take the pressure off your elbow.
Using a split keyboard can also help you keep your hands in a natural position. While these may seem like trivial things, they can help prevent injuries.
An MRI can help you confirm your diagnosis. A cortisone injection may also help reduce the pain associated with tennis elbow. In most cases, you can return to a competitive athletic activity within four to six months.
A good tennis elbow treatment should include a number of activities to help you get back on your feet. In addition to resting your arm, you may also want to consider a counterforce brace, a wrist pad, and a better tennis racket grip.
Biceps tendinitis
Symptoms of biceps tendinitis include pain and a loss of arm strength. The condition can occur from overuse, accidents, or aging. Fortunately, biceps tendinitis can be treated effectively. However, there are also some situations where surgery is needed.
Treatment of biceps tendinitis involves resting the tendon, applying ice, and exercising. These exercises may include simple movements like lifting your arm in a different direction. The patient should also stop activities that cause pain. If the pain does not subside, the doctor may recommend surgery.
Steroid injections may also be used. These injections are very powerful steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, which can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, they may also damage the tendon and cause a rupture.
Physical therapy may also be helpful, especially in cases where the symptoms are severe. A physical therapist will help the patient to regain range of motion and strength. A physical therapist will also correct any improper technique. These exercises may include strengthening exercises and flexibility exercises.
Ice may also help reduce inflammation and swelling. However, ice should be applied to the area intermittently. It is also recommended that the patient take frequent breaks when working out.
The doctor will also look at the patient’s shoulder. They may order imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI. Imaging tests can help identify damage to the biceps tendon. In some cases, imaging can also identify other associated shoulder pathologies.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also help reduce pain and inflammation. However, the use of NSAIDs should be checked with your doctor. This medicine is not recommended for children and may cause bleeding.
Steroid injections are also used to treat biceps tendinitis. These injections can help to reduce pain and inflammation, but they can also damage the tendon.
Osteoarthritis
Using the elbow can cause pain, especially if you are doing repetitive motions or working outside. Pain from elbow osteoarthritis can prevent you from doing the things you love.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes pain and swelling in your joints. There are a number of treatments that can help relieve pain.
Treatments include physical therapy and nonsurgical options. If you have a severe case, your doctor may prescribe an elbow brace or an arthroplasty (joint replacement).
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help relieve pain. Your doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid injection. In most cases, these injections provide temporary relief.
Nonsurgical treatment options include activity modification, stretching exercises, and heat or ice packs. These techniques can also reduce swelling. Heat and ice packs should be wrapped in a damp cloth and applied to the affected area.
NSAIDs may also be prescribed as injections. These are often given in the office to give you relief. In addition to reducing pain, these medications can help reduce swelling. They may also be used to help with sleeping.
Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the elbow. Stretching exercises can also improve joint flexibility and stability. During rehabilitation, your doctor will make sure that you understand the symptoms of elbow OA, and recommend an exercise program to help you with pain relief and reduce the symptoms.
X-rays are sometimes used to diagnose osteoarthritis. These X-rays can show whether bones are rubbing together, or if there is a loss of joint space. It can also reveal the presence of bone fragments that were broken off from the joint.
Occupational therapy can help you learn new ways to perform everyday activities. A therapist may suggest special equipment, such as a wheelchair, which can make it easier to get around.
Rheumatoid arthritis
RA is an inflammatory disease of the joints. It occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the body’s own cells. It causes inflammation in the joints, which can result in pain and swelling. There are also other problems associated with RA, such as bursitis, which is inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bone.
RA can also cause joint instability. This can interfere with basic activities such as walking, lifting, and bending. It can also cause numbness in the elbow and a pins and needles sensation. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
The symptoms of RA can be relieved by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs block inflammation and can provide short-term pain relief. Ibuprofen is a common NSAID that can be taken orally.
In addition to NSAIDs, corticosteroids can also be used to relieve pain. Corticosteroids can be injected directly into the elbow or taken orally. They are usually used when DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) are first introduced to a patient. DMARDs are biologics that target specific parts of the immune system.
In addition to pain and swelling, RA can also cause joint instability. In this case, the elbow may lock in place, making it difficult to do basic activities such as bending and turning. A surgical procedure called a synovectomy may be used to remove the diseased synovium. This surgery provides the patient with a better range of motion.
Another common treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is joint replacement. This is used for patients with arthritis that is advanced. It is usually reserved for patients over the age of 60.
If your elbow pain does not improve, you should see a doctor. This can prevent further damage to the joint and can reduce symptoms.
Dislocated elbow
Getting a dislocated elbow treated early can help ensure a positive outcome. The injury can be caused by a fall or sudden pulling of the arm. An athletic trainer or doctor may be able to realign the elbow during a sporting event.
A dislocated elbow is a common injury that can cause considerable pain. It can also cause numbness in the hand and no pulse in the wrist. Getting treatment early can help reduce the pain and swelling and prevent permanent damage.
The doctor will use an x-ray to determine whether the bone is broken. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI will be used to determine the extent of the injury.
The doctor will also do a physical examination of the hand and wrist. He or she will look for any arteries that are damaged. Numbness or a cool hand may indicate a damaged artery.
The doctor may prescribe a splint or cast to help keep the elbow stable. This can be worn for up to three weeks. The doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain.
An ice pack can also be helpful. Ice packs wrapped in a towel will help ease the swelling.
The physician may also order an x-ray to see if any other bones are broken. The doctor may even use a reduction maneuver to realign the elbow. The elbow may be set back in place with the help of an external fixation frame.
The elbow may also need to be numbed to help relieve pain. A numbing medicine can be injected into the elbow joint. The doctor may also recommend a splint or cast for several weeks.
The most important thing to remember is that getting a dislocated elbow treated early can prevent permanent damage. The pain and swelling will diminish as the bones are realigned.
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