Frequently Asked Questions on Elbow Pain
Elbow pain can occur due to a wide range of factors such as damaged ligaments, strained joints, injuries, joint inflammation, and more. Elbow pain is an extremely common condition that affects most people at some point in their life. While pain in the elbows may not be considered as a sign of a serious condition, it is often the cause of extreme discomfort and may prevent a person from performing their normal activities. Elbow pain may manifest as a sharp, burning or dull pain and can be constant or intermittent, and arises from structures in the elbow joint or from structures adjacent to the elbow joint. The severe pain may be the result of a multitude of conditions such as injury to the elbow muscle, damaged ligaments, strain, and more. Leading multi- specialty healthcare centers in Brooklyn, NYC offer nonsurgical treatments to address the symptoms and pain associated with the condition. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions on elbow pain:
What are main causes for elbow pain? There are many different possible causes for elbow pain. In most cases, the pain occurs due to overuse or strain placed on soft tissues such as tendons due to work, sports, or accidents. Other common causes include a broken arm, joint inflammation (bursitis), arthritis, stress fractures, tendinitis, dislocated elbow, throwing injuries, tennis elbow, ligament tears, radial nerve compression and infections and tumors of the elbow joint.
Should I get medical treatment for my elbow pain? In most cases, elbow pain gets better on its own. However, you should consult your physician if your pain does not resolve with common pain medications. Symptoms that require medical attention include –
➢ Wrist weakness ➢ Severe pain and burning sensation ➢ Pain when gripping, lifting and carrying ➢ Pain and stiffness in the joints ➢ Difficulty in extending the forearm fully ➢ Chronic pain when lifting or bending the arm What are the risk factors for elbow pain? There are several risk factors for elbow pain. These include overuse of the elbow joint, repetitive strenuous actions (sports activities such as baseball/tennis and gym exercises such as push-ups and weightlifting), auto accidents, trauma or repetitive stress, infections and inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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How are elbow problems diagnosed? Initial diagnosis of elbow pain is made from a detailed evaluation of the patient’s medical history and a physical exam. Diagnostic tests such as X-ray, MRI scan and bone scan may be performed to identify abnormal bone formation and evaluate soft-tissue injuries or areas of nerve compression. Joint aspiration (a procedure that involves using a needle to remove fluid for analysis from the elbow joint) can help diagnose between pain causes such as infection or gout from other underlying problems.
How is elbow pain treated? Leading pain management centers in Brooklyn, NYC offer a wide range of non-surgical treatment methods to reduce the immediate symptoms associated with the condition. Treatment ranges from the basic to the complex and would depend on the extent and severity of the pain. For minor sprains or strains, a combination of treatment modalities like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heat and ice application, cold compression therapy, and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) will be used to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling. Physical therapy exercise programs at these centers are aimed at reducing the intensity of pain and preventing re-injury.
How can elbow pain be prevented or reduced? Reducing or preventing the occurrence of elbow pain involves reducing the amount of stress placed on the joint over time. Self care measures include – ✓ Give your arm proper rest ✓ Avoid physical activities that cause strain to the affected muscles and tendons ✓ Take regular breaks from normal activities to reduce repetitive strain on the joint
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