Elbow Pain Treatment
Surrounded by strong muscles, namely the biceps, triceps and forearm muscles, our elbows are the silent workers of our body. Additionally, the elbow seems to function more simply – alternating between bending and straightening.
When our wrists and shoulders ache, we are acutely aware. But, when pain is experienced at the elbow, a non-weight bearing joint that rarely needs joint replacement, many tend to overlook the discomfort. However, just like any other part of our bodies, we should not ignore persistent or prolonged pain at the elbow.
In fact, the elbow is just as susceptible to injury as other bodily parts. This is because of the frequent use of the elbow joint and the stress (placed around the joint and ligaments) caused by the surrounding strong muscles. While chronic strain may be the primary source of pain, sudden movements against resistance, such as breaking a fall, may also be culprits.
Elbow injury or pain occurs on either side of the joint, also commonly known as Golfer's Elbow or Tennis Elbow, depending on the location. While pain accompanied by occasional swelling may also arise from the front or the back of the elbow, it is more common to experience discomfort on the sides.
Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Tennis Elbow is pain experienced when the forearm muscles on the outer side of the elbow are strained, resulting in an inflammation of these muscles. It is named as such because the injury arises from a tennis back-stroke motion; this condition occurs when there is an overuse of forearm muscles.
Hence, Tennis Elbow pain is usually experienced by plumbers, cooks and carpenters. The risk of contracting Tennis Elbow is also higher if you are between 30-50 years of age or play racquet sports but do not practise the proper stroke techniques.
Symptoms include:
Wrist pain (during or after wrist use)
Weak grip (difficult to lift or grasp objects)
Persistent ache (in elbow area)
Pain or tenderness (on the outer side of forearm to the wrist)
Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis)
On the other hand, Golfer’s Elbow is the pain experienced with an inflammation of the forearm muscles on the inside of the elbow. It is named as such because this condition typically arises with an overuse of the forearm’s common flexor muscles, common while playing golf. However, Golfer’s Elbow is also prevalent among patients who regularly use their upper limbs in other sports or long hours of work, or even sustained a traumatic fall which affected these muscles.
Symptoms include:
Pain when twisting the wrist or making a fist (inside of elbow area)
Pain when lifting heavy objects with palm facing up
Stiffness in elbow
Reduce strength in wrist or hands
Diagnosis and treatment
If persistent and prolonged pain is experienced around the elbow, it’s best to seek a professional for an accurate diagnosis. A medical examination entails the doctor inquiring about your daily activities, asking you to move your arm in different ways, and applying pressure to check for pain in the injured areas. Your doctor may also perform diagnostic imaging to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.
Conservative treatment at home usually includes cold or warm compress, Panadol, or massage and acupuncture. However, at The Anaesthesia and Pain Practice, our advanced and evidence-based treatment options help to improve function and avoid surgery. They involve more than home remedies and are targeted at the problem area.
Headed by Dr Daniel Phang, a pain management physician certified in Singapore who is highly proficient in image-guided intervention, our team offers comprehensive pain-relieving treatments for your pain. We strive to provide the most accurate diagnosis and treatment options in Singapore, all within a shorter procedural time.
Get in touch.
Looking to find out more about our pain managment experience? Drop us a call at 6429 1335 or Whatsapp us at 8023 3065 today!