Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeons treating Elbow Sprain and Strain

ELBOW SPRAIN AND STRAIN

Elbow sprains are injuries to the ligaments around the elbow joint and can happen when the arm is bent or twisted quickly or forcibly. An Elbow Strain is when a muscle is stretched too much, tears, and is painful. It is also called a pulled muscle. 

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Elbow Sprain and Strain

Elbow StrainAn elbow sprain is an injury to the ligaments surrounding the elbow joint, which can occur when the arm is bent or twisted abruptly or forcefully. These ligaments connect the upper arm bone (humerus) to the bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) and provide support to the elbow joint. If the ligaments are stretched or torn, it can cause significant pain and restrict movement in the elbow.

The elbow joint is made up of three bones: the ulna, radius, and humerus. It is supported by multiple ligaments and muscles that can get damaged by an elbow injury. Anyone from any age group can suffer from elbow sprain and strain. Keep reading to know more about its symptoms, treatments, prevention, management, and more.

Elbow Sprain and Strain Symptoms 

  • Popping sensation or Sharp pain on one side of the elbow: This is a common symptom of an acute injury. It may indicate that a ligament or muscle has been stretched or torn. The pain can be severe and may make it difficult to move the elbow.
  • Gradually increasing pain or pain with certain elbow movements: In some cases, there is no pain, but it may develop gradually over a few days. The pain may also be specific to certain movements of the elbow, such as lifting or twisting.
  • Instability or weakness in the joint: If a muscle or ligament is injured, the athlete may experience weakness or instability in the joint. This can make it difficult to perform activities that require the use of the elbow.
  • Stiffness and restricted motion in the elbow: The elbow may feel stiff and have a limited range of motion. This can make it difficult to perform activities such as reaching, lifting, or grasping objects.
  • Swelling or bruising around the elbow joint: The injured area may also become swollen and bruised. This can be a sign of an injury to the blood vessels or soft tissues.
  • Tenderness on the affected area: The area around the elbow joint may become tender to touch or pressure. This can indicate that there is inflammation or damage to the soft tissue.
  • Difficulty in performing activities using the elbow: An individual with elbow strain may find it hard to perform activities that involve the use of the elbow such as throwing, lifting, or twisting.

Well, not all of these symptoms may be there. Also, the severity of every symptom can differ. It’s crucial to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What is the difference between an elbow sprain and an elbow strain in children?

An elbow sprain involves the stretching or tearing of ligaments. Ligaments comprise the tough bands of tissue that connect bones to one another around the joint. On the other hand, an elbow strain refers to the stretching or tearing of muscles and tendons. Ligaments, muscles, and tendons play vital roles in stabilizing and enabling movement in the elbow. Both sprains and strains can result from sudden movements, repetitive stress, or trauma to the elbow.

What are the common signs and symptoms of an elbow sprain or strain in children?

Signs and symptoms of an elbow sprain or strain in children may include pain around the elbow, swelling, bruising, difficulty moving the elbow, tenderness to touch, and possibly a feeling of instability. The severity of symptoms can vary based on the extent of the injury, ranging from mild discomfort to significant pain and limited range of motion.

How are elbow sprains and strains treated in children, and what is the expected recovery time?

Treatment for elbow sprains and strains in children typically involves the RICE approach: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Resting the affected elbow, applying ice to reduce swelling, using compression bandages, and elevating the arm can help alleviate symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used to manage pain and inflammation. For severe cases or if the injury doesn’t improve with conservative measures, a healthcare professional may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and improve range of motion.

Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains or strains may heal within a few weeks with proper rest and self-care. More severe injuries may require several weeks to a few months for full recovery. It’s important for children to follow the prescribed treatment plan, attend any recommended rehabilitation, and avoid activities that could aggravate the injury to ensure a successful recovery. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

Schedule an Appointment for your child to be seen by one of the doctors at the Medical City Children’s Orthopedic and Spine Specialists for an elbow sprain or strain.

Elbow Sprain and Strain Causes 

Elbow sprains are injuries that occur when the ligaments in the elbow joint are stretched or torn. These ligaments are responsible for holding the bones in the elbow together and providing stability to the joint. There are several common causes of elbow sprains, including:

  1. Falling on the outstretched arm: When you fall, your natural reflex is to put your hands out to break the fall. If you land on an outstretched arm, the force of the impact can transmit through the elbow joint. And that can stretch or tear the ligaments.
  2. Direct blow to the elbow: A direct hit or blow to the elbow can also cause a sprain. This can happen during contact sports or in an accident, such as a car crash.
  3. Excessive use of the elbow: Repeated lifting, yard work, or operating heavy equipment can put a lot of stress on the elbow joint. This can cause the ligaments to become stretched or torn over time.
  4. Sudden twist or motion of the arm at the elbow: A sudden twist or motion of the arm at the elbow can also cause a sprain. This can happen when playing sports or while performing certain types of work.

Elbow Sprain and Strain Diagnosis 

From physical examination to imaging tests, orthopedic doctors opt for several measures for the proper diagnosis of elbow sprain and strain:

  1. Physical examination: During a physical examination, the healthcare provider will visually inspect the elbow joint for signs of swelling, bruising, and tenderness along with instability or weakness in the joint. The provider will also check for any deformities, such as a visible lump or bump, and for any numbness or tingling in the affected area.
  2. Imaging tests: X-ray and MRI are the most common imaging tests doctors use to diagnose elbow sprains and strains. X-rays can reveal bone fractures, dislocations, and other bone injuries. An MRI, on the other hand, can show soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, as well as any damage to the ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
  3. Range of motion and strength tests: The healthcare provider may also perform a series of range of motion and strength tests. It will help them assess the function of the elbow joint and surrounding muscles. These tests can help to determine the extent and severity of the injury and can also help to guide treatment decisions.
  4. Medical history: The healthcare provider may ask about your symptoms, such as the duration, location, and severity of the pain, the cause of the injury, and your overall medical history. This information can help to inform the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.

Thus, these measures help the healthcare provider to get a complete picture of the patient’s injury and make the most appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Elbow Sprain and Strain Treatment 

Non-surgical Treatment 

Non-surgical treatment options for elbow sprains and strains typically include a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE method). This helps reduce swelling and pain. Plus, there is physical therapy to help regain strength and range of motion, and pain management to control discomfort.

  1. Rest: Resting the damaged elbow joint is important to allow the injury to heal. This may mean avoiding activities that put stress on the elbow, such as lifting heavy objects or playing sports, for a period of time.
  2. Ice: Applying ice to the injured area reduces pain and swelling. You should apply ice for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day. Wrap the ice in a towel or else this might lead to skin damage.
  3. Compression: Compression can help to reduce swelling. You can apply compression by using an elastic bandage or brace.
  4. Elevation: Keeping the affected elbow elevated can also help reduce swelling.
  5. Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help regain strength and range of motion in the painful elbow joint. The therapist may use exercises and techniques such as stretching, strengthening, and range-of-motion exercises. These help the elbow heal and regain function.
  6. Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers are often effective in controlling discomfort. If necessary, your healthcare provider may also prescribe stronger pain meds.
  7. bracing: An elbow brace supports the joint and restricts movement to allow for healing

It’s important to note that the length of the treatment may vary depending on the severity of the injury.  Of course, the individual’s response to treatment also affects the length of treatment. In some cases, a person may need to continue physical therapy for several weeks or months to regain full strength and range of motion in the injured joint.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical treatment for elbow sprains and strains is typically a last resort. Doctors only recommend this in cases where non-surgical treatment options have failed to provide adequate relief. Or, they might suggest this when there is significant structural damage to the elbow joint.

  1. Ligament reconstruction: to repair or reconstruct severely stretched or torn ligaments.
  2. Joint debridement: to remove damaged tissue and improve joint function.
  3. Osteotomy: to restore proper alignment and function to the joint.
  4. Joint replacement: to replace the damaged joint with an artificial joint.

Elbow Sprain and Strain Prevention 

Preventing elbow sprains involves warming up and stretching before physical activities, wearing protective equipment during contact sports, etc. Also, it includes exercises to strengthen balance and lower the risk of falls.

Elbow Sprain and Strain Conclusion 

Recovery from an elbow sprain or strain varies depending on the severity of the injury. Also, the type of treatment received, and the individual’s response to treatment determines the recovery. With proper care and rehabilitation, most people are able to fully recover from an elbow sprain or strain and regain full function of the joint.

Finally, it’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect an elbow sprain or strain. The doctors at Medical City Children’s Orthopedics and Spine Specialists have offices in Arlington, Dallas, Flower Mound,  Frisco, and McKinney, TX.  For the best of care for elbow conditions, we invite parents to give us a call and make an appoint for their child.

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Footnote:

WebMD: What to know about Elbow Sprains

 

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