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 Strain An 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 an elbow sprain or strain. Keep reading to know more about its symptoms, treatments, prevention, management, and more.

Understanding the Elbow Joint: Functions and the Impact of Stress

The elbow joint plays a crucial role in arm mobility, enabling a range of actions from lifting and holding to precise movements like swinging or twisting. It acts as a hinge that connects the upper arm to the forearm, helping you perform daily activities with ease and precision.

Functions of the Elbow Joint

Flexion and Extension: By allowing your arm to bend and straighten, the elbow facilitates tasks such as lifting groceries or typing at a keyboard.
Rotation: The joint aids in rotating the forearm, making actions like opening a jar or turning a doorknob possible.
Stability: It provides the necessary support for heavier tasks, such as carrying objects or pushing doors open.

Impact of Excessive Stress

When the elbow undergoes excessive strain, the resulting damage can significantly impair its function:

Strained Muscles: Overuse can lead to muscle strains, causing discomfort and limiting strength.
Sprained Ligaments: Ligament sprains can occur when the joint is twisted beyond its normal range, leading to intense pain and compromised movement.
Chronic Pain: Continuous stress without proper care can result in long-term conditions like tendinitis, where inflammation hampers daily use of the arm.

Understanding these functions and potential issues can help in maintaining elbow health and ensuring proper care if injuries occur.

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.

When to Seek Medical Treatment for Elbow Pain from Sprains or Strains

Experiencing elbow pain can be concerning, especially when it’s linked to a sprain or strain. Recognizing when to seek medical attention is crucial for effective recovery. Here are some guidelines:

Severe Pain and Swelling: If you notice significant pain and swelling in your elbow, it’s a sign that you should consult a healthcare professional. Persistent discomfort that doesn’t subside with rest or over-the-counter pain relief warrants further evaluation.
Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in moving your elbow, or a decrease in its range of motion, suggests that something might be seriously wrong. Seek medical advice to prevent further injury and begin a suitable treatment plan.
Persistent Symptoms: Sometimes, symptoms of a sprain or strain develop slowly due to repetitive use. If you find the pain and tenderness continuing for an extended period, it’s wise to get a professional assessment.
Sudden Injury: Should your pain stem from a sudden impact or accident, immediate medical evaluation is recommended. Quick assessment can prevent potential complications and help facilitate a faster recovery.
Visible Deformities or Bruising: Any unusual lumps, bumps, or extensive bruising around the elbow are indicators of a more serious injury. Do not wait to get these checked by a medical expert.

Elbow pain can impact your daily activities and quality of life. By understanding the signs that require medical intervention, you can ensure timely and adequate treatment.

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 where an elbow is needed.

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.

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.

Engaging in activities that involve repetitive arm movements can lead to inflammation in the elbow joints. This often occurs in sports such as tennis, golf, or baseball, where the arm is used repeatedly across games and practices. Similarly, occupations or hobbies that require frequent lifting or similar motions, like weightlifting or carpentry, can also contribute to stress on the elbow. All these activities can strain the tendons, muscles, and ligaments, potentially leading to discomfort or injury.

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:

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 any numbness or tingling in the affected area.
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.
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.
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 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.

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 some time.
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.
Compression: Compression can help reduce swelling. You can apply compression by using an elastic bandage or brace.
Elevation: Keeping the affected elbow elevated can also help reduce swelling.
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.
Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers are often effective in controlling discomfort. If necessary, your healthcare provider may also prescribe stronger pain meds.
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. This will allow the patient to regain full strength and range of motion in the injured joint.

Anti-Inflammatory Injections for Treating Severe Elbow Sprains or Strains

When it comes to managing severe elbow sprains or strains, anti-inflammatory injections can be a vital component of treatment. These injections play a crucial role by providing significant pain relief, which can be especially beneficial in acute cases. By targeting the inflamed area directly, they help to reduce swelling and discomfort. Therefore, making it easier for patients to perform rehabilitation exercises and continue with their daily activities.

How Anti-Inflammatory Injections Work:

Reducing Inflammation: The primary function of these injections is to diminish inflammation, which is often the root cause of pain and stiffness. By addressing this issue, the healing process can be accelerated.
Pain Management: Quick relief from pain allows patients to avoid excessive consumption of oral painkillers, which could have unwanted side effects if used long-term.
Supporting Recovery: By alleviating discomfort, anti-inflammatory injections facilitate physical therapy and other rehabilitative efforts, promoting a faster and more effective recovery.

In summary, anti-inflammatory injections serve as a targeted solution to ease pain and mprove overall healing. They enable a more manageable rehabilitation by directly addressing inflammation and aiding in a quicker return to normal function.

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.

Ligament reconstruction: to repair or reconstruct severely stretched or torn ligaments.
Joint debridement: to remove damaged tissue and improve joint function.
Osteotomy: to restore proper alignment and function to the joint.
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 determine the recovery. With proper care and rehabilitation, most people can 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 care for elbow conditions, we invite parents to give us a call and make an appointment for their child.

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Footnote:

WebMD: What to Know About Elbow Sprains

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