Our elbows are one of the last things on our minds until we start feeling pain and discomfort. The elbow is what connects the upper arm to the forearm. It is comprised of various muscles and ligaments that work together. However, moving your elbow may be difficult if you experience pain.
Read on to learn more about elbow pain and what type of therapy can treat it.
Causes of Elbow Pain
Pain in your elbow can be caused by a number of things. Some may have it due to an injury while others experience it by overusing it. By overuse, we mean by playing a sport, using your arms to work or stretching past your range of motion. How a painful elbow comes to be depends on the person and their lifestyle.
Here is a list of what can cause your elbow to hurt:
– Inflamed joints, or bursitis
– Spraining your elbow
– Osteoarthritis
– Dislocating your elbow
– Tennis elbow
– A broken arm
– Cubital tunnel syndrome
Aside from the obvious injuries, you need to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis of what is causing your elbow to hurt. From there, they’ll come up with a suitable treatment plan.
Treatment Options
Speaking of treatment plans, what your doctor recommends depends on your situation. For injuries, like a sprain or broken arm, your doctor will most likely recommend you wear a brace, apply ice and get plenty of rest.
If the pain is caused by a condition such as bursitis or cubital tunnel syndrome, physical therapy might be recommended. Physical therapy can help improve both range of motion and function while reducing pain. However, if the condition is too severe for either of these methods, surgical intervention may be warranted.
When to See a Specialist
A painful elbow is uncomfortable, but the real question is whether or not it warrants a trip to the doctor. If you’re experiencing a dull ache or pain that only lasts for a little while, there’s really no point in going to the doctor.
However, if the pain is severe or it persists for long periods of time, that’s when you should go. Severe, persistent pain and discomfort is a massive warning sign that there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
If you are experiencing pain in your elbow that does not resolve on its own, contact Plano Orthopedic & Sports Medical Center at 972-250-5700 for an appointment.