ELBOW PAIN CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS
Let's talk Elbow
Tennis. Golf. Disc golf. There are a number of ways you could’ve injured your elbow. Perhaps it wasn’t even during a sporting activity, but in an accident. Nevertheless, treating your pain and managing the discomfort moving forward is priority number one. The injury may be acute and new, or the worsening of a prolonged chronic issue that needs to be treated. Determining the cause, finding the problem and choosing the right solution will be a journey both you and Dr. Tessier go on together. Of course, your typical run-of-the-mill sprain can be immediately treated with an ice pack and some over-the-counter pain medication. However, if the injury is more than the old standby treatments can handle, it may be more serious.
ABOUT ELBOW PAIN
As we stated above, the first order of business is to determine the cause in order to find a solution. Dr. Tessier’s methods of pain management vary according to the reason you’re experiencing pain and discomfort. A more mild pain may only require physical therapy, as where a more complex condition will require a more complex treatment.
ELBOW CONDITIONS
- Sprain. When the tissues connecting the bones and joints are overstretched.
- Fracture. Breaking of the bones of the elbow.
- Bursitis. When the joint cushioning fluid-filled pads called “bursae” become inflamed.
- Dislocated elbow. Condition when the bones that make up the elbow joint are jammed out of alignment.
- Tennis elbow. Where the tissue that connects the forearm muscle to the elbow become irritated or inflamed.
- Golfer’s elbow. Similar to tennis elbow, this is where the tissue on the inner side of the elbow becomes inflamed.
- Osteoarthritis. A degenerative process where the joints and cartilage break down due to repetition and age.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Painful, degenerative condition where the immune system attacks its own tissue and joints.
- Tendinitis. An inflammation of the tissue that connects muscle to bone.
- Pinched nerve. Pressure placed on a nerve that causes pain and discomfort.
ELBOW PAIN TREATMENT OPTIONS
From home fixes to surgical treatments, managing your elbow pain varies. Below are examples of the most common ways to relieve your elbow discomfort.
- Ice. The easiest pain relief option. This will help to reduce swelling and discomfort, but this is typically used for minor injuries and/or an “also” option.
- Strap or restrictive device. An elbow strap will prohibit the overexertion of the elbow while it has time to heal.
- Pain medication. Also called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs). Basically, Advil, Tylenol or whichever your go-to over-the-counter pain medication is. This will help reduce temporary pain and swelling. As with any drug, use only as needed and it wouldn’t be a bad idea to run any questions you may have by Dr. Tessier.
- Physical therapy. This can be performed at home or in the clinic. Range of motion exercises, stretching and light weight lifting may be recommended to help loosen muscles and tendons, and to increase flexibility.
- Steroid injections. This is a clinic-only treatment since it requires Dr. Tessier to administer the injections. This treatment is a more advanced way to ease some of the swelling and pain around the joint than NSAIDs.
- Surgery. Always the last resort, surgery may be the best and only way to best manage your elbow pain. Dr. Tessier will speak with you about any surgery options once all over avenues are exhausted.