Effects and Causes of Elbow Injuries

The elbow is usually a joint that joins the upper and the lower arm. The elbow acts as the turning point of the whole arm. Sometimes your arm can incur injuries from different sources.  An injured elbow is capable of denying you comfort due to pain, tingling, and weakness when rotated. Injured elbow non-severe symptoms can make you manage the pain, but to some extent, an elbow can suffer severe symptoms, which is advisable to consult a physician. Pain and weakness in the joint hinder your routine activities. La Jolla, CA orthopedic shoulder & elbow surgeon is a specialist in treating and managing elbow injuries. Below are some causes of pain in an injured elbow.

The major causes of elbow pain

Your elbow can incur injuries from many sources. They include:

•   Falling. You can fall from a high or a shallow place. In this case, you can try protecting your body, hence injuring your elbow. Falling can dislocate your arm and also can cause arm breakage.
•   Sports. Sports are much known for causing injuries in the legs and arms.  You can collide with your fellow player causing elbow injuries.
•   Car accidents. Car accidents can also cause elbow injuries. Accidents can also break your arm, causing severe complications to the elbow.
•   Domestic violence. A child can suffer elbow injuries from being beaten by a guardian or parents. Security guards can beat you brutally to the extent of breaking your arm joint.

Below are some symptoms that occur when you incur an elbow injury.

The main symptoms associated with elbow injuries

There are many symptoms associated with elbow injuries. The main symptoms include pain, swelling of the joint, grant sound during movement, weakness of the arm, joint instability, and difficulties in lifting the arm. The following paragraph explains how elbow injuries are diagnosed and treated.

Diagnosing and treating elbow injuries

The doctor performs several services during diagnosis. X-ray is the most known method of diagnosing elbow injuries. The doctor is capable of viewing your affected part, hence giving room for comfortable treatment. If you have undergone several x-rays earlier, the doctor may recommend another way of diagnosis. Electromyography is another way of diagnosing elbow injury. The doctor evaluates the workability of your muscles and the nerve cells. Since elbow disorder causes nerve damage, electromyography is useful during diagnostics.

Computerized tomography scan (CT scan) can also be used to diagnose elbow injuries. This technology creates a cross-section of the affected part producing a more detailed picture than an x-ray.  The doctor makes a proper judgment on your case. After the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain and stop the swelling. Resting, bracing the elbow, and physical therapy is recommended for recovery. A severe elbow injury may affect the joints, causing tissue damage. Platelet-rich plasma can be injected to regenerate the damaged tissue.

Your hands perform a great job throughout the day. It is vital to take care of your hands and elbow joints from damage and injuries. An injured elbow causes pain, swelling of the arm, and other discomforts like failure to perform your daily duties. Upper Extremity Specialists treat and manage elbow injuries before they become severe.