Roohealthcare.com – A number of things can cause elbow pain, including injury and stress. Injuries to the elbow joint and upper arm bones can cause pain that is severe or chronic. Sometimes the pain worsens at rest, while others may occur immediately. For any of these situations, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Home remedies for elbow pain can often relieve this problem. A doctor can prescribe pain medication and may recommend elbow surgery, if necessary.
Several Types of Bursitis
There are several types of bursitis, including osteoarthritis. Bursae are sacs of fluid that protect joints from friction. The bursae surrounding the pointy bone of the elbow can become inflamed, which can limit movement. Surgery may be required for severe cases. However, there are many non-surgical treatments for bursitis, including ice packs and rest. Some doctors recommend keyhole surgery or other treatment options for this condition.
Home remedies for elbow pain include alternating heat and ice. Generally, ice will ease the pain and speed healing. Some people may find iontophoresis, which uses a mild electrical current to push medicine into the sore area, to be beneficial. Depending on the cause of the pain, exercises can also help reduce pain and improve the range of motion. These exercises also help stretch the muscles of the forearm and arm, which can help restore range of motion and ease stiffness.
Occupational therapists can also help. These professionals can work with individuals who have a repetitive motion injury to teach them how to change their movements and support their elbow while it heals. Occupational therapists are available privately or through a workplace’s occupational health department. Taking paracetamol for pain relief is another common treatment. It will relieve pain and allow people to resume light activity as the inflammation subsides.
Acute Stress on the Elbow can Irritate the Medial Epicondyle
Several factors may be to blame for elbow pain. Overuse of the arm, tennis or golf, or other repetitive tasks can result in an injury. Acute stress to the elbow can irritate the medial epicondyle and lead to a shortened range of motion and increased pain. Thankfully, this injury is easy to treat. Just remember to avoid straining your elbow if it persists.
In some cases, the pain is due to a stress fracture or a disease condition. However, if the pain is chronic, your physician may recommend an injection or physical therapy. Depending on the severity of the injury, your doctor may recommend surgery to correct the problem. If your pain persists, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible to avoid further problems. It may be a simple injury or more serious. Your doctor may prescribe medication or recommend elbow replacement surgery, depending on your situation.
If your elbow is swollen, heat may help ease stiffness and promote tissue regeneration. Applying heat to the area will help alleviate pain, but you should be cautious and avoid applying heat if the pain is severe. Another home remedy is to apply an ice pack. Applying heat to the area will reduce swelling and relieve pain. Alternately, ice may help reduce swelling. You should not apply heat to a swollen elbow, however.
Elbow Pain can be Treated with Physical Therapy
If your elbow pain is severe, surgery may be necessary. This surgery, performed in an outpatient hospital, involves making an incision on the outside of your elbow. During the surgery, the surgeon examines your tendons and can remove any degenerated tissue. Sometimes, the surgeon must cut the tendon at its attachment to the bone to increase blood flow. Sometimes, a small amount of bone may need to be removed. If your surgery does not help you, physical therapy is the best option.
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow can be caused by repeated wrist flexion and twisting. Using your wrist repeatedly or overusing it can cause damage to the tendons and muscles. Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate your pain and return to normal activity. While resting and taking medication are both good options, you should consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. And remember, the pain is a signal of an injury.
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