If you’re experiencing elbow pain, carrying out your daily routine can be uncomfortable and debilitating. The condition might occur as a result of several factors like fracture, muscle imbalances, etc. you can treat the condition after a few self-care methods in the comfort of your home. However, when the situation worsens, you want to visit your doctor. The doctor will perform scans to determine the root cause of the conditions and suggest the best treatment method available for your situation. If you are seeking elbow pain management, you want to work with a clinic that offers MRI Services.
At Hollywood Healthcare & Diagnostic Imaging, we have modernized medical tools and high-quality medical care for our patients. As a result, our detailed and accurate results allow our doctors to identify symptoms and causes of the condition and start the treatment process. The board-certified doctors understand the best medical options available for you and commit themselves to high standards of excellence and superiority. So, if you seek elbow pain management in Los Angeles, do not hesitate to contact our experienced physicians.
What is Elbow Pain Management?
Elbow pain is a common occurrence that can affect almost anyone. The condition has simple causes and can clear up after a few days. You may treat this condition with over-the-counter medication and enough resting. On average, elbow pain affects nearly one-third of the population. Moreover, 70% of people with persistent elbow pain also have a secondary condition, such as tendonitis or arthritis.
The most common elbow-related injuries are of either origin. Repetitive movements and overuse can lead to inflammation around the tendons. At the same time, traumatic events (like falling on your elbow) are more likely to cause problems with the bony bits or other connective tissue cross-over points. In both cases, an assessment and diagnosis from a sports-qualified doctor will help you find the best way to treat your elbow pain quickly and efficiently.
Elbow pain is one of the people's most common complaints to health care providers. First, your doctor will likely order X-rays to rule out any underlying diseases or injuries. It is also possible that your doctor may want an MRI or CT scan done. An MRI or CT scan can reveal if you have calcium deposits in the elbow and certain types of arthritis. It can also show inflammation and damage to tendons, muscles, nerves, and ligaments. If you want to learn more about the causes of elbow pain and treatment options, ensure you seek medical advice from your doctor.
What are the Different Types of Elbow Disorders?
Elbow disorders are a troublesome and common condition that causes pain, limitation of movement, and even disability. They can vary in severity from mild to severe. Ensure you speak with your medical health care provider to help you understand more about the different types of elbow disorders. Below is a discussion of common elbow disorders.
Lateral Epicondylitis
This is the most common type of elbow disorder. The condition is also known as tennis elbow. The disease affects the outside of the elbow joint. It is usually caused by gripping too tightly when squeezing an object or repetitively using the arm muscles to hold something against gravity. To determine whether you suffer from this condition, seek medical attention from your doctor. The doctor will examine you to determine your condition. The professionals who experience lateral epicondylitis are:
- Painters
- Cooks
- Autoworkers
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
Medial Epicondylitis
The condition affects the inner tendons on your elbow. The state is also called golfers' elbow and little leaguer's elbow. The common cause of this condition is the repetitive motion resulting from baseball and golf clubs. Also, the state might result from the repetitive motion of swinging a hammer daily at work. Lastly, the disease causes pain in your elbow joints. Using over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen or icing the surface can improve the situation. Speak with your physician to help you determine whether you suffer the medial epicondylitis.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament
The condition or UCL injury involves a tear or partial tear of the protective ligament that connects the wrist to the elbow joint. These tears typically cause pain and swelling that can be hard to see on examination. (It is important to note that syndromic elbow disorders are NOT grouped under one diagnosis! A diagnosis should be made based on a history of symptoms and a physical examination.) Syndromes should be distinguished from isolated elbow disorders; they often resolve themselves, whereas syndromes may involve multiple joints and more than one joint at once.
Osteoarthritis
The condition affects the cartilage. These are connective tissues located in your joints. Osteoarthritis causes the tissues to tear and become damaged. An elbow injury, tear or wear can cause the condition. The symptoms associated with osteoarthritis are:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Great sound during motion
- Locking sensation in your elbow
- Difficulty when bending the elbow
Osteochondritis Dissecans
The condition is also known as Panner's disease. Osteochondritis occurs when small pieces of cartilage in your elbow joint become dislodged. The condition is a result of sports injury, often in young men. The symptoms of the conditions include trouble when extending the arm, tenderness, pain outside the elbow, and a feeling that the joint is locking. The best method to treat the condition is through physical therapy. Seek medical attention as early as possible to prevent worsening the condition.
Fracture or Dislocation of the Elbow
An injury to your elbows, like a fall on the outstretched elbow or arm, may cause an elbow fracture or dislocation. Dislocation takes place when the bone moves from its initial position. Alternatively, a fracture occurs when the bone breaks or cracks. The common symptoms of the condition are:
- Pain
- Difficult when moving the joint
- Visual changes in your elbow like discoloration or swelling
How Do You Diagnose Elbow Pain?
Pain in your elbow is a common ailment, but it can be tricky to diagnose. Many different types of pain can originate from the elbow, with several being more severe than others. To ensure the diagnosis of your elbow pain, the best idea is to seek medical assistance from your doctor. If you cannot contact them or don't have a regular physician, you should consult a sports-related doctor immediately! They will be able to determine what caused your pain and how to manage it accordingly.
Where possible, non-surgical treatment should be attempted first. Physical therapy is helpful for overuse injuries; it can occur either in a clinic or at home through exercises specifically designed for your damage (and therefore effective!). This can help reduce inflammation and joint pain in the short term, but rehabilitation is essential as it will help build correct strength and mobility.
In cases of trauma or ligament strain, you should also seek medical assistance from your doctor as soon as possible. In the case of overuse injuries, a sports trainer or physiotherapist may be able to assess this for you, either at your regular health-care clinic or in a private setting where they can focus purely on the treatment of your elbow. The former will probably be more convenient for most people; however, if you're not an active sports person with no regular use of your elbow, then a private physio may be worth looking into. Your doctor may diagnose the condition through the following methods:
- X-rays
- Physical examination
- CT scan
- Biopsy of the bursa fluid
- MRI scan
A well-skilled doctor is always recommended when it comes to seeking general medical help. The doctor ensures you obtain top-quality medical services and avoid the condition in the future. An unskilled doctor might even worsen your situation. Therefore, ensure you work with our medical experts for the best medical services. Our charges are favorable, and we offer different payment options. If you are an immigrant, also do not panic since our staff comprises medical experts from other parts of the world.
Causes of Elbow Pain
Many causes of elbow pain result from inflamed or strained tissues like ligaments or tendons. The condition can disappear after a few days of self-care procedures at your home. The following are the common causes of the disease:
- Wrong holding of pencils and pens
- The elbow is bent very deeply, creating a scissoring effect at the elbow, leading to pain.
- Muscle imbalances across the joint
If one arm is immobile or passive, it leads to weakness in that muscle due to lack of regular use. When this imbalance develops, the muscles on that side of the joint become weaker while those on the other side become stronger, thus pulling excessively on joints like the elbows.
Loose Ligaments and Muscles Around Your Elbows
Faulty or improper posture can lead to muscle strain or injury due to excess pressure placed through joints such as your elbow.
Zombie's elbow
It occurs due to the irritation of structures around your elbows. It is mainly felt in women who are wearing tight clothing. It builds pressure on the muscle and causes inflammation or pain in the elbow region, leading to Tenosynovitis.
When to See the Doctor
Many elbow pain conditions grow better independently or after simple self-care procedures. However, you want to visit your doctor when you experience any of the following:
- You have weakness, numbness, or tingling in your hand or arm
- The pain keeps persistent after 14 days of taking over-the-counter drugs and resting the elbow
- When you experience acute pain while moving your hand, fever, swelling, redness, and heat
- When you believe you have broken or fractured a bone. For example, after falling from a tall building.
Methods for Elbow Pain Management
You might find it challenging to continue your daily routine when you suffer elbow pain. Furthermore, it could lead to more severe issues if left untreated. To avoid this, here are several methods that may help you manage its symptoms:
Use Ice Therapy
Ice packs are primarily used for inflammation and swelling (pains that are familiar with many injuries). The goal of using ice therapy for these problems is to temporarily decrease blood vessels' ability to hold in heat. It reduces the blood flow to the area and decreases the amount of stress on the affected area. This method is best used when icing your elbow.
Use Heat Therapy
The method is typically used for pain that comes with arthritis, a common issue people with many wrist injuries experience in later stages. Heat therapy aims to increase blood flow to an area, which helps reduce inflammation and swelling and relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis in older adults. However, please do not attempt to apply the heat to your elbow when it is swollen or when you have sustained injuries.
Exercise with the Arm
Doing several exercises is the best remedy to prevent your elbow muscles from weakening. The activities involve moving a joint through its full range of motion. It is usually the first suggestion doctors make to patients when dealing with a common injury since exercising a joint can help regain strength and mobility. It can be accomplished with weight training exercises or resistance bands. Simple practices can help you restore the range of motion, ease stiffness, and maintain strength.
Take Drugs to Reduce the Pain
You may take over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These drugs block the enzymes that make prostaglandins act as natural pain mediators. You want to take the pills when you require them. But you can take them before the pain becomes persistent. NON-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs consist of drugs that may help you ease swelling, stiffness, and pain. If you experience stomach pain after taking the pills, you want to stop taking them and see your doctor. Also, you may use inflammatory gels or creams to rub on your elbow surface, which will not result in stomach pain.
Try Wearing A Splint Or Brace
Under certain conditions, like tennis elbow, you may use splints to support your elbow when doing certain activities. These devices often heal fractures and sprains, allowing the affected area to heal and recover quickly. The devices are available in sports shops, chemists, and physiotherapists. They are also referred to as clasps. Before purchasing the device, ask your doctor whether the device will be effective. Also, ask the doctor to guide you on how to wear the splints.
Change How You Move
The first thing to do when you experience elbow pain is to stop or change any motions that may worsen your situation. For example, you may avoid bending your elbow when you experience acute pain. Discuss your case with an occupational therapist if you perform tasks involving movement like painting or using a screwdriver. The therapist can suggest changing the motion and supporting the elbow as it heals.
How Can You Prevent Elbow Pain Disorders?
The upper arm is an important area of the body, and any discomfort should be dealt with as soon as possible. If you have pain in your elbow, you must take care of it as quickly as possible to prevent further complications. Here are some things you can do to avoid it.
- Lose weight if you need to: Obesity can lead to several health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes, among many others. These conditions can cause inflammation in your body, causing a stiff or immovable elbow joint, which causes pain when moving around or extending your arm.
- Keep your weight under control: If you are unable to lose weight, then you should workout at least three times a week to keep in shape; that way, it will keep your body healthy and strong and reduce the risk of any stress or strain on your joints, especially the elbow joint. It would help if you did upper body workouts that focus on pushing and pulling exercises and strengthening exercises for the muscles of the upper arm region.
- Try to avoid putting pressure on your elbow joint such as carrying heavy items or straining it when lifting things. This can cause damage to your tendons and ligaments, making them weak and more prone to injuries in the future. Instead of using both hands when lifting heavy objects, opt for using just one hand at a time.
- If you are experiencing pain in the elbow, it is essential to seek medical help immediately, significantly if your pain worsens despite taking steps to treat it. If no treatment is given after a while, you will experience more complications than earlier, which could harm your health and your life.
Contact an MRI Service Near Me
If you are seeking medical treatment or MRI services, you want to contact our medical experts. Assisting you remains our priority. At Hollywood Healthcare & Diagnostic Imaging, we are here for you. Our doctors are committed to offering you accurate and timely interpretations of your conditions. We pay attention to maintaining your trust and confidence.
If you are in or around Los Angeles, you want to speak with our professionals as soon as you experience elbow discomforts. Contact us today at 323-486-7502 and schedule your appointment. Our support team is available around the clock.
