Elbow the pain!
Chiropractic treatment can be an excellent choice for relief of this type of pain. Not only does Chiropractic treatment avoid the use of surgery or medication, but it also aims to address the root of the pain as well as treating the symptoms.
Chiropractic treatment can help fix the structural components – muscles, tendons, and bones – so you can experience both pain relief and prevention of future problems!
Let us take a closer look at the elbow.
If you bend your arm, you can feel three bumps at the joint. Injury to the tendons that attach the muscles to the two bumps on either side of the elbow are a common cause of pain.
These bumps are: –
- Medial epicondyle
This is the bump on the inner side of the elbow. The muscles on the front of the forearm which are responsible for curling the wrist up, are attached to this bony point. Pain in this bump is called medial epicondylitis, commonly known as “golfer’s elbow”.
- Lateral epicondyle
This is the bump on the outer side of the elbow. The muscles on the back of the forearm which are responsible for curling the wrist backwards, are attached to this bony point. Pain in this bump is called lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as “tennis elbow”.
Mostly this pain has a very simple cause and clears up within a few days. The pain usually comes from strained or inflamed soft tissues such as tendons.
Overuse or repeated pressure on the tendons near this joint can overload these tissues. If overload occurs, it can cause pain, particularly when using the wrist or hand.
Symptoms of elbow pain
Some of the symptoms include:
- Pain when making a fist.
- Dull ache when at rest
- Soreness around the elbow joint
- Weak grip
- Pain when opening the fingers.
- Pain when trying to grip objects, especially with the arm outstretched.
Elbow disorders
Golfer’s and tennis elbow aside, here are 5 other disorders of the elbow that can cause pain and discomfort.
-
Fracture or dislocation
An injury, such as a fall on an outstretched arm, can cause a dislocation or fracture.
Dislocation occurs when a bone moves out of its usual position.
A fracture occurs when a bone cracks or breaks.
Look out for:
- Inability to move the joint.
- Swelling and bruising to the area
- Pain
-
Osteoarthritis
This condition affects the cartilage and causes this tissue to wear down and become damaged. It can be caused by injury or wear and tear on the joints.
Look out for:
- Difficulty bending the elbow.
- Grating sound when moving the joint
- Swelling
- Locking sensation at the joint
- Pain
-
Olecranon bursitis
Also known as student’s elbow. Bursitis affects the bursae; these are small sacs of fluid that help protect the joints. It may be caused by injury or leaning on the elbow for extended periods or other medical conditions such as arthritis.
Look out for:
- Swelling
- Difficulty moving the elbow.
- pain
-
Ligament sprains and strains
These problems can occur in any of the ligaments located in the joint. They may be as a result of injury or repeated stress.
The ligament may just be stretched, completely torn, or partially torn. Sometimes a “popping noise can be heard upon injury.
Look out for:
- Unstable joint
- Limited range of motion
- Swelling
- Pain
-
Osteochondritis dissecans
Also known as Panner’s disease, occurs when small pieces of cartilage and bone become dislodged in the joint. It is often caused by a sports injury.
Look out for:
- Difficulty extending the arm.
- Locking sensation in the joint
- Tenderness on the outside of the elbow
- Pain
If you have elbow pain, book an appointment to see one of our Chiropractors to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you would like some further information or to speak to a member of our team please call us on: Hitchin 01462 420077 or Luton 01582 579687, alternatively e-mail us at: hitchin@healesclinics.com or [email address=”luton@healesclinics.com”