Elbows constitute several bones, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. With these many parts operating as one to let you lift, throw, twist, pull, and swing, there are many ways by which the elbow could become mistreated or overused. Elbow pain can manifest as an intense, acute discomfort or a chronic, dull ache, often associated with burning and or tingling sensations. Although momentary discomfort and soreness are typical sensations that develop with elbow pain Leawood, you must never overlook sharp, chronic pain. Understanding the reason for your elbow pain could help establish what kind of therapy you should pursue. Here are the most common causes.
- Dislocations
A dislocated elbow happens once one of the elbow’s joints gets knocked out of position. Your elbow could become dislocated whenever you outstretch the arm to brace yourself in an automobile collision or stop a sudden fall.
Dislocations are also a prevalent athletic injury and might happen in kids once they are swung or lifted by the arms. This sort of injury is often excruciatingly painful and spotted by a deformity in the elbow joint. Therefore, you should immediately pursue specialist care from an orthopedist to avoid lasting damage.
- Fractures
Have you hit your elbow on a firm surface, recently had a vehicle accident, or collided with somebody in a contact sport? Any of these scenarios can fracture one of your elbow’s joints. However, simply because you cannot move your arm does not imply it is fractured. Common warning signs of an elbow fracture include swelling, deformity, and pain.
- Sprains and Strains
It is practically impossible to perform anything without involving your elbows in some way. Sadly, these motions imply that these joints are susceptible to wear and tear. Sprains and strains happen once you push yourself a bit too far, for instance, through repetitive motion.
The variation between a sprain and strain is that the strain implies that the muscles are torn or stretched. On the other hand, a sprain affects the ligaments. Both concerns are treatable with rest, ice therapy, strength, and stretching exercises.
- Tendonitis or Tennis Elbow
Another prevalent reason for elbow pain stemming from overuse is tendonitis. This condition causes tendons to swell and often manifests with a shooting discomfort from the wrist to the elbow.
There are different sorts of elbow tendonitis, namely golfer’s and tennis elbow. Tennis elbow induces discomfort on the outside of the elbow and arises from repeated rotating and twisting movements of the forearm and wrist. On the other end, the golfer’s elbow induces discomfort on the elbow’s inside and develops following excessive hand gripping or wrist flexing.
- Arthritis
Some of the most prevalent forms of arthritis could also cause elbow discomfort. Rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, causes discomfort as it affects the body’s healthy tissues, and causes joint swelling.
Osteoarthritis could also cause pain flare-ups because it deteriorates the cartilage, making the elbow’s bones rub against one another. For patients with these concerns, physical therapy can offer pain relief and enhance their motion range.
Numerous factors could induce elbow pain, from a health issue to injury. Though elbow pain is hardly a sign of a severe illness, it could be unpleasant and make it hard to perform your everyday activities. However, you do not have to put up with the uncomfortable effects of your elbow pain. Orthopedic doctors are specialists in the musculoskeletal system and can provide an accurate diagnosis of your condition and the right treatment. Conservative solutions are generally the first resort, but if these procedures fail, your doctor may suggest surgery to address the underlying cause of your pain.
