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Elbow Joint Pain & Problems

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Elbow Pain And Problems

Elbow joint pain usually comes from strained or inflamed soft tissues such as tendons. Injury, trauma, and many other health conditions may cause persistent pain in the elbows which often gets better after a few days with simple self-care at home. However, sometimes it may be caused by a medical condition such as arthritis.

Golfers, tennis players, boxers, weight lifters, and baseball players commonly suffer from elbow pain and problems due to trauma or overuse of an elbow.

At Felix Hospital, our team of leading orthopedists provide the best treatment for elbow pain. Equipped with the latest tools and supported by experienced physiotherapists, our specialists provide the accurate diagnosis and best possible care to our patients helping them regain strength, mobility, and confidence.

Elbow pain can be frustrating as it limits your elbow movement. The most obvious symptom of elbow pain is pain. Other possible symptoms of elbow pain and problems include:

  • Sharp/dull pain in one or both elbows
  • Numbness in your arm or hand
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Reduced grip strength
  • Difficulty moving your elbow or limited range of motion

From arthritis to fracture, there are many causes of elbow pain and problems. These include:

  • Tendinitis or inflammation of the tendons caused due to overuse of the joint. For instance, tennis elbow is a result of repetitive motions like swinging or twisting your lower arm.
  • Osteoarthritis that affects your cartilage may cause elbow stiffness, swelling or inflammation.
  • Bursitis is when fluid-filled sacs at the tip of each of your elbows become inflamed, causing pain, swelling, and redness.
  • Medial epicondylitis, commonly called golfer's elbow, affects the inner tendons in the elbow. The downward swing of a golf club and the repetitive throwing motion used in baseball are said to be the common causes.
  • Lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow that results from the use of the same type of hand motion affects the tendons on the outside of your elbow.
  • Injuries such as fractures, sprains, strains, dislocation, and torn tendons often cause elbow pain.

If your elbow pain does not get better on its own within two weeks of taking painkillers or with simple self-help treatments, you should see a doctor. But, if you have fractured or severely injured your elbow, you should meet an orthopedist without any delay.

Common risk factors for elbow pain and problems include any activity or occupation that requires frequent bending or strain on the elbow joint. Engaging in activities like playing football, skiing, and climbing can also increase the risk of traumatic injuries such as broken bones or torn tendons.

Common Risk Factors for Elbow Pain:
  • Sports activities: Playing sports such as golf, baseball, football, tennis, and other racquet sports.
  • Repetitive work: Occupations that require frequent, strenuous action of the elbow joint.
  • Trauma: Injuries caused by falls or motor vehicle accidents.

If left untreated, elbow pain may become chronic and last for months, especially if you continue the repetitive activity that caused the problem. If the underlying cause for the pain is arthritis or tennis elbow, it may cause reduced mobility, which is why it's important to see a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Besides, untreated injuries, such as tendon or ligament damage can weaken the elbow joint over time.

To diagnose the underlying cause of your elbow pain, the doctor may order one or a combination of the following tests:

  • X-ray
  • CT Scan
  • MRI Scan
  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • Biopsy

Felix Hospitals, Noida is equipped with advanced technologies to detect, treat, and manage elbow pain effectively.

Medical Management

Depending on the cause, your orthopedist will provide you with elbow joint pain treatment. While minor injuries may require OTC pills and some rest for the elbow joint, serious injuries will need long-term treatments.

  • Medication: OTC pain medications will help to ease your elbow pain.
  • Physical Therapy: Special exercises such as wrist extension stretch and wrist extension strengthening can help strengthen your elbow, reduce inflammation, and restore lost range of motion and flexibility.
  • Icing and Cold Compress: Using an ice pack or cold compress for 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day helps to ease pain and swelling.
  • Braces: Wearing a removable elbow support brace can take tension off the tendons and muscles, providing support to the elbow.
  • Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids relieve joint pain and inflammation in some cases. These injections, when administered in the correct area, provide maximum benefit.

Surgical Management

Minimally Invasive Procedures and Surgical Intervention: If nonsurgical treatment options fail to provide relief, based on the underlying cause, your specialist may suggest an appropriate surgery. At Felix Hospital, we provide minimally invasive procedures to treat elbow pain and problems.

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Why Choose Felix Hospital for Elbow Pain and Problems?

At Felix Hospital, we provide comprehensive diagnosis, world-class elbow joint pain treatment, and unparalleled patient care to all our patients. Our team of experienced orthopedists and ortho surgeons use cutting- edge technology under one roof, thus ensuring quality treatment to patients.

Here’s what makes us the best choice for the elbow pain treatment:

FAQs

There are several possible causes of left elbow pain that may range from injuries and overuse to inflammatory and degenerative conditions. Treatment for left arm elbow pain depends on the cause.
Our specialists will review your medical history and evaluate your physical condition, and might include additional screening methods including x-rays, ultrasound scans, blood tests, MRI scans, and the screening of nearby joints, such as those within the neck and shoulders.
Surgery is not always necessary for elbow pain as most cases can be effectively managed with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle modification. Surgery may be considered only if conservative treatments fail to provide relief, or if there is significant structural damage that requires surgical repair.
Yes, we do provide personalized physiotherapy assistance at our hospital to ensure exercises are done correctly and effectively. These exercises may include gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility and strengthening exercises for the forearm and wrist muscles.
Having the cause for elbow pain diagnosed professionally by an orthopedist or sports medicine professional is one way to get an idea of how long your elbow pain might last. Some people find relief in a few days, whereas more serious cases can last for several months.