Elbow and arm pain are common phenomena amongst sportspersons and senior citizens. We use this body part extensively throughout our lifetimewithout even realizing it. While the elbow is not prone to injuries like our weight-bearing joints are, it still has a long list of injuries associated with it.
Understanding the elbow anatomy
The elbow joint is a complex one and is made up of three bones. It is the synovial hinge between the humerus (bone in the upper arm) and the ulna and radius (bones in the forearm). The protruding parts that you feel at the bottom of the humerus are known as epicondyles. All bones have cartilage on the end, which helps the bones absorb shocks and slide smoothly over each other. Connected by tendons, muscles and ligaments, these parts from the entire elbow joint and enable you to use the elbow like a hinge to rotate, extend or flex the arm.
Different types of elbow disorders
- Epicondylitis
- Tennis elbow
- Olecranon bursitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Stress fractures
- Dislocation or fracture of the elbow
- Ligament strains and sprains
- Gout
- Lupus Osteochondritis dissecans
Major causes of elbow pain
Whether you talk about sports, daily activities or desk work for sustained periods of time, the elbow is susceptible to pain and injuries caused by overuse and repetitive movements of the hand or arm. Heres looking at some of the most common causes of elbow pain: Common causes of arm and elbow pain include:
- Broken Arm
- Bursitis (joint inflammation)
- Dislocated elbow
- Golfer's elbow
- Osteoarthritis (disease causing the breakdown of joints)
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease)
- Sprains and strains
- Stress fractures
- Tendinitis
- Tennis elbow
- Throwing injuries
- Trapped nerves (brachial plexus injury)
How can elbow injuries or disorders be diagnosed?
In case the primary symptoms (shooting pains in the elbow joint and difficulty moving the arm) persist, it is best to seek medical advice. Medical professionals usually diagnose the problem through one or more of the following means:
- X-ray
- Electromyography (EMG)
- CT scans Biopsy of bursa fluid
- Regular medical exams
How to manage elbow pain?
In some cases, when you first experience elbow pain, it can be managed to some extent by following the RICE protocol:
Rest - Give your elbow ample rest; avoid moving it.
Ice - Apply an ice pack on the affected area frequently; cold therapy really works.
Compression - Read the next section (below).
Elevation - Keep your arm elevated for as long as possible to reduce swelling. However, if the arm shows no signs of improvement or if the condition worsens, see your doctor.
The need for compression in case of elbow pain Compression sleeves, splints, braces and other compression aids are known to provide relief and ample support to the elbow tendons, thereby reducing tension and pressure on these tendons, and relieving the inflammation.
So, what are the best elbow pain management products available online? When it comes to potentially serious conditions like elbow pain, you cannot compromise on the quality of elbow support aids. Here is our specially curated list of some of the best elbow support braces available at Seniority:
Elbow brace provides great support to weak and strained muscles and targets compression enabling pain relief. It applies pressure on specific areas to relieve tension at the tendon inserts.
2. Shoulder Support Neoprene - Tynor
This shoulder support is designed to provide protection and support to the injured or ailing shoulder joint. It keeps the shoulder joint warm and flexible and aids in quick healing.
3. Universal Shoulder Immobiliser - Tynor
This shoulder immobiliser is designed to hold your arm effectively against your body. You can use it in case of a shoulder dislocation or shoulder fracture. The Immobiliser sling is adjustable, has high cushioning and is convenient to wear for long hours.
4. New Elastic Shoulder Immobilizer - Vissco
This ergonomically designed Elastic Shoulder Immobiliz supports the arm against the body. It restricts movements and provides support to an injured shoulder. Also, the shoulder immobilizer features a shoulder cup that improves grip on the injured shoulder, for added comfort.
Now that you have a good understanding of elbow pain and related injuries, let us know which elbow support aid you think is the best! And for more options, click here.
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