Most elbow pain is self-limiting and will heal independently with self-care. But sometimes, professional help becomes necessary. So, how do you know if your elbow pain is severe? Understanding the different types of elbow injuries and their symptoms is vital to managing your pain at home and knowing when to consult a healthcare professional. This guide will explore identifying severe elbow pain and provide practical tips for at-home treatments to help you feel better faster.
Symptoms of Serious Elbow Pain
The elbow is designed to make dynamic movements possible, allowing us to function daily. Unfortunately, our reliance on our elbows to accomplish daily tasks also means that a lot can go wrong. Here are telltale signs that your elbow pain is severe and shouldn't be ignored:
- Cracking or crunching sounds when you move your arm (called crepitus)
- Decreased mobility or strength
- Pain that is not relieved by rest, ice, or OTC anti-inflammatories
- Rapid or progressive swelling, especially when accompanied by fever and
- Weak hand grip
- Stiffness
- Pain while making a fist
- Visible deformity
- Numbness or tingling in your arm.
If you experience these symptoms, visit a healthcare professional for a proper assessment.
Causes of Elbow Pain
Sometimes, the reason for your elbow pain is apparent. Maybe you've had a bad fall and landed on your arm. Or you've recently started the DIY house renovation you've been planning.
In others, elbow pain comes out of the blue. As you look closer at your elbow pain, understanding the possible causes can be pretty illuminating. Elbow pain isn't only a result of traumatic injuries or sudden accidents — it's often rooted in repetitive stress injuries.
Tennis Elbow
The leading culprit of elbow pain is tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis. This condition is an overuse injury involving the lateral epicondyle and the extensor tendons responsible for extending your wrist and fingers.
Small tears can develop when these tendons are overused or subjected to excessive stress, leading to pain and inflammation. Activities that require repetitive arm motions or regularly handling loads of 20 kg at least ten (10) times per day can strain these tendons.
Tennis elbow is one of those things that creeps up on you. You could work in carpentry for a decade without issue, then one day, you feel something off with your elbow. And remember, a compressed nerve can sometimes mimic the symptoms of a tennis elbow.
Golfer's Elbow
Another common cause is golfer's elbow or medial epicondylitis. Like tennis elbow, a golfer's elbow is an overuse injury. However, this condition results in inner elbow pain instead of outer elbow pain.
In this case, your wrist and finger-controlling muscles and tendons bear the brunt of the damage. Popular belief might have you think that only golf players fall prey to a golfer's elbow, but that's far from the truth. From computer users and plumbers to painters, even those who play tennis or baseball can be susceptible.
Other Common Elbow Injuries
- Ulnar collateral ligament injury: Also referred to as a Tommy John injury, a UCL injury occurs when the ligament on your inner elbow gets overstressed, leading to tears.
- Biceps & triceps tendinitis: This is an inflammation in one of the tendons in your upper arm. When these connective tissues are inflamed, your elbow joint becomes painful.
- Osteoarthritis: Once the protective cartilage in your joints breaks down, your bone rubs against the bone, which can be painful and lead to stiffness and loss of elbow function or mobility.
- Cubital tunnel syndrome is inflammation of the ulnar nerve, which causes numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers, arm pain, or hand weakness.
- Stress fractures: Microscopic cracks in the elbow bone can cause constant pain. They often occur from overuse or repetitive activity, especially in athletes.
- Dislocated elbow: A vital force or sudden impact can cause the bones in your elbow to move out of their proper alignment, potentially requiring immediate medical treatment.
When to Seek Medical Help
Pain is the fifth vital sign for a good reason — it tells you something is wrong. But for some people, it can be hard to decide whether or when to seek medical help for pain. No one wants to pay thousands of dollars only to be told to go home and get some rest and ice!
So, when does elbow pain an emergency, and when can it wait a few days?
If something is seriously wrong, you're going to know it. For instance, if you dislocate or fracture your elbow or tear a tendon, you're likely going to feel severe pain that knocks the breath out of you. In addition to severe pain, you may notice:
- A popping, tearing, or crackling sound
- Rapid swelling
- Visible deformity
- Significantly reduced strength & mobility
- Pain even at rest
- Bone protruding out of your skin
- The skin below the injury may feel cold
These symptoms are red flags that need prompt medical attention. Seeking immediate care can help prevent further complications, chronic pain, and disability.
Mild to moderate burning elbow pain that doesn't affect mobility can be managed at home with rest, ice, compression, and over-the-counter pain medications. But if your elbow pain doesn't improve after two weeks or you develop numbness and tingling in your hand, it is best to seek professional help.
Diagnosing Elbow Pain
Most elbow issues can be diagnosed with just a simple examination.
Medical History
Your doctor will ask when the pain started and whether it was sudden or gradual. They will also inquire about your typical activities, any recent changes in those activities, and any previous elbow or arm injuries. The doctor will also want to understand the nature of your pain and whether it changes with movement or rest.
Physical Examination
Next, your doctor will conduct a physical examination of your elbow. They'll start by looking for swelling, redness, or bruising and will feel for tenderness or abnormal lumps around the elbow. They'll test your strength and mobility.
If, for example, tennis elbow is suspected at this time, your doctor may perform a couple of simple tests to confirm. One of these tests is called the Cozen's test.
In this test, you'll be seated comfortably with your affected arm extended in front of you, elbow straight, and palm facing up. Your doctor will place a hand on your wrist and then instruct you to resist as they push your hand downward. Any pain and tenderness you feel along the outside of your elbow will confirm the diagnosis of tennis elbow.
Imaging Studies
Imaging studies like radiography or MRI are done to rule out any serious issues.
Treating Serious Elbow Pain
The good news is that with prompt management, between 80 and 90% of elbow injuries heal within a year. Here are your treatment options:
Massage
A soothing massage can work wonders for your elbow. Studies show that massage techniques like myofascial release and cross-friction massage increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, promote tissue mobility, prevent scar formation, and preserve joint and muscle function.
Foam Rolling
Foam rolling offers the full benefits of myofascial release without hefty professional fees in the comfort of your own home. By applying pressure to your muscles, foam rolling can help reduce muscle tension and improve the overall mobility of your elbow. It's a great way to relieve pain and speed up recovery from elbow injuries.
When using a foam rolling tool, please focus on the muscles around your elbow and avoid putting direct pressure on the joint. Always follow proper techniques to get the most benefit and prevent injury.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a cornerstone in managing elbow pain. Studies show that specific exercises, particularly eccentric exercises, can strengthen muscles, restore range of motion, and reduce pain.
Casts or Splints
Sometimes, the best way to heal is to let the elbow rest and stay still. A cast or splint can immobilize the elbow to prevent further injury and support healing.
Braces or Splints
Compression or counterforce braces are designed to reduce strain on the extensor tendons, provide support, and distribute pressure more evenly. An elbow brace can help relieve pain and improve function in people with lateral epicondylitis.
Pain Medications
You can directly apply over-the-counter topical treatments such as menthol, lidocaine, and diclofenac sodium to the sore area. Oral medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium help reduce pain and inflammation. If NSAIDS don't provide relief, you may need stronger prescription medications for severe pain.
Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections can offer quick relief by reducing tissue inflammation. However, these are reserved for severe pain that has not responded well to other treatments. They are also not provided as a long-term solution since they have been found to delay the healing process.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
PRP injections use a concentrate of your platelets to boost your body's natural healing capabilities. This treatment is helpful for chronic conditions that haven't responded well to other methods.
Surgery
In about 10% of cases, surgery may be the best option for correcting persistent elbow issues and relieving pain. The operation may involve removing the bursa and inflamed tissue and reconstructing the elbow ligament using a keyhole approach or a more invasive open method.
Preventing Elbow Pain
Elbow pain treatment is effective, but prevention is still vital. Prevention measures include:
- Regular stretching and strengthening exercises, particularly eccentric ones, enhance muscle flexibility and strength.
- Warming up before activities increase blood flow to muscles and tendons, making them more flexible and less susceptible to injuries.
- Using proper form and technique in activities and lifting significantly reduces stress on the elbow.
- Implementing the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) technique immediately following injuries to prevent them from worsening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main treatment options for managing elbow injuries?
Treatment options for managing elbow injuries range from simple self-care measures such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE technique) to seeking professional medical advice for a personalized treatment plan. Other preventive measures include protecting the elbow from further harm and recognizing the signs that require immediate medical attention.
What activities increase the risk of elbow injuries?
Repetitive gripping and twisting tasks significantly increase the risk of elbow injuries. Avoiding these activities and practicing preventive self-care measures, like applying heat to the elbow, can help prevent and alleviate elbow pain.
What are the signs of severe elbow injury?
Severe elbow injuries are usually characterized by intense pain, swelling, and a grating or crackling sensation when moving the joint. If these signs occur, seek medical attention immediately.
Can elbow pain ever heal by itself?
Yes, most elbow pain caused by minor injuries or soft tissue inflammation tends to clear up within a few days. Over-the-counter painkillers and rest can further help with the healing process.
When is it crucial to seek medical attention for an elbow injury?
If you experience a sudden injury to your elbow accompanied by a cracking sound, severe pain, swelling, bruising around the joint, or trouble moving your elbow or using your arm as usual, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
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