The elbow is an intricate joint that is intended to complete an extensive range of dynamic movements. It is essential to some of the day-to-day tasks you perform, such as picking up objects, washing your face, or any other activities that require you to have your palm turned up and down. However, every year, numerous people suffer from elbow pain, which is usually caused by overuse or injury.
Indeed, elbow injuries are far more prevalent than a lot of people realise. Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are among the most common elbow conditions that often require elbow pain treatment in Singapore. Despite their names, athletes are not the only ones susceptible to these elbow injuries. Even if you are not playing any sport, you may also suffer from these conditions if you have been overusing your elbow joint.
If you have been experiencing elbow pain for some time now, and you are wondering if it is something you can ignore, this article might be of help to you! Read on to find out some of the tell-tale signs that your elbow pain requires prompt medical attention.
1. Pain that Worsens When You Move Your Elbow
Your different arm joints are prone to injury because of their numerous moving parts. This means that a dull ache from getting your elbow knocked on the door or a sudden twinge after doing heavy exercise is not uncommon. However, experiencing elbow pain whenever you move your arm or elbow is not normal. One of the most common indications that your elbow pain necessitates a visit to the doctor is if it gets worse whenever you perform certain movements or activities.
2. The Pain is Constant
Experiencing elbow pain when you move your arm is already bad enough. However, it may be worse if your elbow is in constant pain even when you are not using it. This is a definite sign that something is not right. This type of persistent pain likely means that the culprit behind your elbow problem is wear and tear, which results from years of repetitive use. Aside from this, constant elbow pain may also be caused by certain serious diseases, such as arthritis, gout, Lyme disease, and lupus.
3. The Pain Does Not Improve with Ice Therapy and Rest
Strains, sprains, bursitis, and a lot of other causes of elbow problems are usually easy to treat with ice therapy, rest, and pain medication. If you still experience the same level of pain in your elbow after trying these simple remedies, it is clear that your elbow condition requires a more intricate medical intervention. This could mean steroid injections, physical therapy, or even surgery depending on the cause of your elbow pain.
4. Your Elbow Movements are Becoming Restricted
The way your elbow flexes and moves enables you to complete an array of upper-body movements, such as pushing, pulling, throwing, and lifting. However, if your elbow movements are becoming restricted and stiff, or if you cannot move your elbow at all, you need to see a doctor right away. Seeing a doctor will help you find out the cause of your limited range of elbow movements as well as the most appropriate pain treatment that will help resolve the problem.
5. You Experience Tingling or Numbness in Your Elbow Joint
Tingling or numbness in your elbow joint can happen after sleeping in an uncomfortable position or banging your so-called “funny bone.” However, if you feel numbness or a tingling sensation that does not go away, it is perhaps time to have your elbow checked by a specialist. Tingling or numbness in the elbow joint can be a symptom of ulnar neuropathy, which can lead to muscle weakness or permanent arm injury if left untreated.
Conclusion
Whether you are playing sports or simply completing daily tasks, the complexity of your elbows means that many different elements need to work together, and so there are plenty of things that can go wrong as well. While not all elbow pain is an instant cause for concern, constant restrictive pain that exacerbates after certain movements and that comes with tingling or numbness is a sure-fire indication that you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
For the most effective and trusted treatments for elbow pain, Affinity Pain Clinic is the expert you should go to! We are an esteemed pain management specialist that provides an extensive range of top-quality treatments, including elbow pain treatment, back pain treatment, musculoskeletal knee pain treatment, and facial pains treatment in Singapore.
To learn more about our excellent treatments or to book an appointment, do not hesitate to reach out to us by filling out the contact form here.
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