Body pain accompanied by the inability to hold seemingly weightless objects is a cause for concern, as it has a very negative impact on the ability to perform everyday tasks.
When should you see a doctor?
Often elbow pain, if it is bearable and doesn't interfere much with daily activities, is dismissed as something that will go away soon enough. Sometimes that's exactly what happens. But you shouldn't be surprised if the pain recurs after a while. After all, the problem is not fixed.
So when should I make an appointment to see a doctor?
- If you can't lift, or can't hold in your hand for long periods of time, objects that are heavier than a book.
- If you have suffered an injury to your elbow, such as a severe bruise, and are now experiencing pain, and you need to see a doctor immediately if there is a visible deformity of the elbow area after the injury.
- If the elbow pain intensifies at rest.
- If the elbow pain persists for several days.
- If it is difficult or impossible to relax the arm or, on the contrary, to strain it.
- If there is redness in the elbow area and you have a temperature rise.
After listening to your complaints, your doctor will prescribe the necessary tests to identify the cause of the pain or other discomfort with high precision and prescribe targeted treatment to achieve the best results as soon as possible.
Inflammation of the ulnar nerve: what treatment awaits?
The most appropriate treatment will be prescribed by your doctor, as mentioned above. If a diagnosis of ulnar nerve inflammation is made, the patient may be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. However, it is not uncommon for patients to take painkillers and/or apply ointments while waiting to see a doctor. Do not choose medicines and ointments on your own, consult your pharmacist.
During the treatment period, a special ALKNEY SURFACE can be a great help. This will be a particularly good solution if you are diagnosed with inflammation of the ulnar nerve. The splint will perfectly clamp and immobilise the affected area of the elbow, thus relieving pain and reducing swelling if the affected area is swollen. At Pes Planus Orthopaedic Centre, you can buy elbow splints made of high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing technology, which effectively improve blood circulation, are non-slip and do not cause any discomfort. Such an elbow brace does not restrict your movements, but ensures that they are much less painful. In addition, reliable immobilisation of the painful, damaged area has a positive effect on the healing process and its duration.
Elbow nerve compression
Elbow pain is sometimes caused by a pinched ulnar nerve, which can be caused by prolonged bending of the arm, squeezing the elbow or careless movements. It is easy to distinguish the pain of a pinched nerve - it is extremely severe, affecting the whole arm up to the shoulder, and is often described by patients as shooting pain. When the ulnar nerve is pinched, sometimes the fingers are numb or tingling.
The pinching of the ulnar nerve and the pain it causes may be relieved by sleeping with the arm outstretched, but in some cases surgical intervention is still necessary.
Another cause of elbow pain is pinched ulnar nerve, which causes severe pain when the arm is extended. It is important to rest the arm, wear a splint when sleeping, and do the exercises recommended by the doctor to treat this condition.
