Straining and inflammation of soft tissues is the main cause of pain and discomfort in the elbow. Often, that problem disappears after a few days. However, elbow pain can persist if caused by a medical problem like arthritis. Dr. Stephen Fisher Braselton can help you treat elbow arthritis and numerous other conditions.
If you have arthritis of the elbow, you can expect your elbow to snap or click whenever you try moving it. An elbow suffering from joint inflammation will also be stiff and thus difficult to move easily. An inflamed elbow joint can also make some of your fingers numb. Below are other things to remember about arthritis occurring in the elbow.
Causes of elbow arthritis
The function of the hinge joint of your elbow is to enable the required motion of your forearm and arm. The cartilage or other soft tissues of your elbow joint can deteriorate abruptly or slowly, leading to swelling in that crucial part of your arm.
The deterioration or degeneration of the elbow joint soft tissues is usually caused by friction (normal wear and tear) as you age. That happens as you use your arm and elbow daily. Still, chronic elbow joint swelling can also occur because of an injury or overuse.
Some jobs, sporting activities, or hobbies require subjecting your hand, wrist, and elbow to constant strain. Sporting activities like tennis, golf, and weightlifting can cause the gradual deterioration of the soft tissues of your elbow joint.
As a result, the overused elbow joint will develop severe inflammation, making it harder to participate in activities you love.
Remedies for elbow arthritis
You can relieve elbow arthritis by avoiding further stress on the affected elbow joint. Avoid total elbow movement or moving your elbow in a position that can aggravate inflammatory pain and discomfort.
If you use your hand regularly for a task like painting, consult with your doctor about what you need to do. Your doctor can recommend an elbow splint to support your affected elbow while treating it to reduce the pain.
Injections and medications can also help relieve pain and discomfort from an elbow affected by arthritis. Moreover, physical therapy is another effective treatment that stretches and strengthens the structures attached to your elbow joint.
Make sure you keep your body physically fit by exercising regularly. If elbow arthritis produces debilitating pain, do less intense but beneficial exercises such as yoga, swimming, and walking.
Your doctor can also surgically help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by elbow arthritis. For example, your surgeon can surgically remove a loose part of the bone or a bony growth that interferes with the elbow’s flexion or extension.
Preventing elbow arthritis
Protect your elbow joint from arthritis or an injury by significantly reducing its excessive use. If your regular job or activities involve constant use of the elbow, find time to stretch, condition, and strengthen it daily. A well-strengthened and conditioned elbow joint is less susceptible to injury or inflammation even if regularly used.
Contact Stephen Fisher, M.D., today to schedule an appointment with an elbow treatment specialist.