The Elbow
The Elbow is a major joint that is located between the upper and the lower parts of the arm. It is a major part of the human arm as it connects the upper and the lower parts together. It has a significant role in the movement and the mobility of the human arm. If it suffers pain then arm movements can become a little hindered. If you bend your arm, you can feel three bumps at your elbow joint. Injury to the tendons that anchor muscles to the two bumps on either side of the elbow are a common cause of elbow pain. These bumps are:
- lateral epicondyle – the bump on the outer side of the elbow. The muscles on the back of your forearm, responsible for curling your wrist backwards, are anchored to this bony point. Pain in this bump is called lateral epicondylitis (also known as ‘tennis elbow’). This area is particularly susceptible to tennis elbow because it has a poor blood supply
- medial epicondyle – the bump on the inner side of the elbow. The muscles on the front of your forearm, responsible for curling your wrist up, are anchored to this bony point. Pain in this bump is called medial epicondylitis (also known as ‘golfer’s elbow’).
Causes of Elbow Pain
Some of the many circumstances that may contribute to elbow injuries include:
- Lack of strength or flexibility in the forearm muscles
- Lack of strength in the shoulder muscles
- Instability of the elbow joint
- Poor technique during sporting activities (especially tennis and golf) that puts too much strain on the elbow joint
- Inappropriate sporting equipment, such as using a heavy tennis racquet or having the wrong sized grip on a tennis racquet or golf club
- Repetitive movements of the hands and arms, such as working on an assembly line
- Continuously making the muscles and joint take heavy loads
- Other factors such as neck symptoms or nerve irritation.
Symptoms
- Dull ache when at rest
- Pain when making a fist (golfer’s elbow)
- Pain when opening the fingers (tennis elbow)
- Soreness around the affected elbow bump
- Weak grip
- Difficulties and pain when trying to grasp objects, especially with the arm stretched out.
Diagnosis
At MyPainClinic our qualified and experienced doctors will use the state of the art and modern medical equipment on their patients to diagnose the pain in their elbows and how it is caused. X-rays and MRIs will come in handy for the job. The round will consist of remote testing as well as physical testing if the case requires that. We will ensure that at MyPainClinic you will get 100% accurate tests without any errors.
Treatment for Elbow Pain
If the symptoms don’t improve, or if you are prone to recurring bouts of elbow pain, see your doctor or physiotherapist. Treatment options may include:
- Exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist to gradually strengthen the tendons
- Soft tissue massage
- Ice massage (placing ice-packs over the inflamed tissue on the elbow to relieve pain)
- Acupuncture
- Taping or bracing your elbow (using a sling that goes around the neck and braces your elbow)
- Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication can help you cope with the pain, but do not improve long-term outcomes
- Surgery – in severe cases, and if pain has not resolved within 12 months.
There is evidence that corticosteroid injections can be harmful in the longer term, so these are no longer recommended in most cases.
Further research is needed to find out if new treatments such as injecting the person’s own blood products back into the tendon, or using patches over the tendon that can help blood vessels to dilate can help.
Testimonials
Great staff and doctors both John and Rehman. Professional and they tend to all pain needs. Would recommend.
Very good Dr.The best I have…The best for my pain .Friendly staff also.My injections dont hurt me either.They are the best.I love the service.
I love my pain clinic Dr. Khalique. I wish I would have had him before I had my back surgery, I might not be having the complications I have now.He gives me great advice and service. The employees are great as well, I always feel like a family member here. I would recommend him to anyone with back problems.
From the front desk to the visit was a great experience. This pain Dr was very thorough and answered any question I had. Recently just got out the army and anyone that’s familiar with that job knows it beats the back and lower extremities to the ground. I was given an injection in my SIJ and honestly to God it has helped tremendously. He is a great Dr and I highly recommend this office.
A top-notch pain management clinic. Dr Rehman is highly knowledgeable and provides the best care for his patients, his treatments are very effective in treating all types of pain. Trustworthy doctor and helpful staff.
I’ve been seeing Dr Rehman for a little over two years to help me manage pain in my knees. He and his staff are wonderful. He truly cares about his patients and helping you relieve chronic pain so you can live your life. Thank you Dr Rehman for your excellent care and concern.
Dr Rehman is great! Very kind and caring person. Knowledgeable as well. Would highly recommend.
Thank you Dr. Rehman for the excellent treatment. I appreciate your going the extra mile to listen and then treat my ailments. Kudos to your staff for the personable service and it made me at home.
Nice friendly office, knowledgeable and informative doctor. Can definitely recommend.