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The elbow is one of our most active joints and plays a key role in many everyday activities. Elbow pain can be a troublesome problem that negatively affects our quality of life. In this article, we will discuss the causes, diagnosis and effective methods of treating elbow pain. Also find out what exercises and home remedies can help relieve pain and restore full functionality of the elbow joint.
Elbow pain – structure and functions of the elbow joint
The elbow joint, also known as the shoulder joint, is composed of three main components: the humerus, the ulna and the radius. This complex skeletal and joint system allows for elbow flexion and extension movements as well as forearm rotation. The elbow joint is therefore extremely important for our ability to perform everyday activities such as grasping, lifting and carrying objects.
Elbow pain – causes
There are many factors that can lead to elbow pain. One of the most common is elbow overload, which can be caused by repetitive movements such as bench pressing, working at a computer or playing tennis. Other causes include injuries, excessive muscle tension, or even inflammatory joint diseases, such as psoriatic arthritis.
Elbow pain – what does it mean?
Elbow pain can take many forms and locations, which may suggest various causes. The most common type of pain is periarticular pain, which is caused by damage to the joint structures. However, elbow pain can also radiate to the hand or arm, which may be related to problems in other parts of the body, such as the cervical spine. If you are experiencing elbow pain that does not go away or gets worse, it is worth consulting your doctor.
Elbow pain – diagnosis
Diagnosing elbow pain usually begins with a medical history and physical examination to help your doctor determine the cause of the problem. In some cases, additional imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, may be necessary to further evaluate the elbow joint and surrounding structures.
Elbow pain – treatment of elbow pain
Effective treatment of elbow pain depends on its cause. In case of overload or injury, it may be necessary to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physiotherapy methods. In some cases, it may be necessary to wear elbow braces or a brace to reduce stress on the joint. If the cause of your pain is an inflammatory disease, you may need to use anti-cancer drugs or other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Home remedies for elbow pain
In addition to the treatment recommended by your doctor, there are also home remedies that can help relieve elbow pain. One is to apply ice to the painful area, which can help reduce swelling and pain. It is also important to rest and avoid activities that worsen the pain. Regular exercises to strengthen the muscles of the arm and forearm can also improve the stability of the elbow joint.
Elbow pain – exercises for a painful elbow
If you suffer from elbow pain, it is worth consulting a physiotherapist who can recommend appropriate exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles around the elbow joint. Examples of such exercises include elbow flexion and extension, as well as various types of weight-bearing exercises that help rebuild strength and stability of the joint.
Your suggestions
If you have your own experience with elbow pain or know effective treatment methods, we are happy to share our suggestions. However, remember that each case may be different, so it is always worth consulting a doctor before starting any therapy.
Recommended articles
If you are interested in the topic of elbow health, we also recommend reading our other articles on this topic. You will learn more about prevention, rehabilitation and other aspects related to maintaining a healthy and functional elbow joint.
It is worth remembering that elbow pain may be a sign of a problem that requires attention and treatment. Let’s not underestimate it and take care of our health by following the doctor’s recommendations and taking appropriate steps to improve the condition of our elbow joint.