Elbow joint pain might be an indication of tennis elbow, tendinitis, bursitis or a muscle strain. Generally, discomfort arises if the tendons, muscles and joints are strained or overly used.
The initial treatment aimed on relieving the elbow joint pain is the same, regardless of the specific condition present.
Measures to alleviate elbow joint pain
If an individual suffers from elbow joint pain, the following are the widely used measures to lessen the discomfort
Adequate rest
Make sure that the affected arm can rest if elbow joint pain arises. In most cases, this requires avoidance of sports or limiting daily activities that can worsen the joint pain.
Cold therapy
Apply an ice pack on the elbow to lessen the inflammation as well as alleviate some of the pain. The pack must be applied at 15-minute sessions up to 3 times throughout the day. If an ice pack is not available, a bag of frozen vegetables can easily conform to the shape of the arm and work more effectively than ice cubes.
Immobilization
The affected elbow should be immobilized for several days to allow the tendons, ligaments or bursae to recuperate. Remember that the areas close to the joint can become inflamed if the individual has tennis elbow, tendinitis or bursitis.
It is recommended to use an Ace bandage or sling to keep the affected arm immobile.
Medications
The individual is given pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lessen the elbow joint pain. Make sure that the instructions on the packaging are carefully followed.
When to consult a doctor
Set an appointment with the doctor if the elbow is still painful after several days of self-care measures. An X-ray or other diagnostic tests might be necessary to pinpoint the root of the joint pain.
It is vital to seek immediate medical attention if the individual develops fever or the skin bordering the elbow is warm and reddened. These are the indications of a possible infection and requires immediate treatment.