Elbow Pain Relief: 5 Tips & Exercises Customized for You
Chances are you didn’t realize the workload your elbow carried until you started to experience elbow pain. Whether you overreached during pickleball or you’re experiencing the stiffness of arthritis, elbow discomfort can make even the simplest tasks challenging.
You need fast, simple relief.
And we have the solution.
Dozens of elbow-related conditions can cause problems, and arriving at a diagnosis is crucial to helping you get your life back. To alleviate the issue, you should trust our board-certified orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh.
While we’re the area’s leading surgeons, we also take a conservative approach to medicine. We’ll only perform surgery if more conservative methods have been less successful. Just contact us for an appointment.
What Is the Fastest Way to Relieve My Elbow Pain?
First, we assure you that we will always take your pain seriously. Some physicians downplay your experience and may even seem dismissive. Nothing is further from the case at Raleigh Bone Joint Surgery Clinic. We want you to get the relief you deserve.
Therefore, we’ve listed 5 tips and some exercises that can relieve your elbow pain.
1. Remember to Rest Your Elbow–Even If That Means Putting Activities on Hold
Your elbow discomfort isn’t going away if you continue to play tennis or golf. This may mean taking time off of some of the hobbies you enjoy. If your job requires you to use your elbow muscle group, speak with us so we can find a suitable solution.
Wearing a brace can also be helpful, as it helps keep the muscles and tendons still while allowing support. We can help you determine the right type of brace for you.
2. Try Over-the-Counter Medication
While we recognize that this won’t work in every case, it’s a good starting point. If you find that OTC medicine isn’t effective, schedule an appointment with us so we can find a suitable prescription medication that can provide relief.
The key here is to work closely with one of our orthopedic elbow doctors in Raleigh on your journey to being pain-free. Even over-the-counter medication can interact with other prescription medications and herbal remedies that you may be taking, which is why it’s crucial to keep us informed about your pain and what is–and is not–working.
3. Heat Therapy Can Also Provide Relief for You
Blood flow is necessary so your elbow can start the healing process. Use a heating pad or hot pack, but be sure to protect your skin with a cloth. Be sure to read instructions on how to use the heating pad correctly to prevent burns or skin damage.
4. Stretch Your Forearm for Relief
If you’re in pain, stretching may seem contraindicative. However, a gentle stretch of your forearm can actually help alleviate your pain. Our in-house physical therapy team can provide you with a customized list of stretches that can aid in your recovery.
5. Try Some of These Useful Exercises
The appropriate stretching exercises can do a lot to help put you on the right track toward relief. While our physical therapist can provide a more customized regimen, we’ll provide some basic exercises than can provide some respite.
However, it’s very important that you speak with one of our orthopedic doctors in Raleigh or our in-house physical therapists in Raleigh before starting these exercises. Failure to do so, or doing the exercises incorrectly, can make your elbow pain worse.
Wrist Stretch (Downward)
First, hold one arm in front of you. Then, hold the hand with your other hand. Carefully, pull your wrist down to feel a gentle stretch. You should repeat this exercise two or three times a day. Be sure to hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
Wrist Curls
This simple exercise can provide useful stretching for your forearm. First, lay your forearm across a stable, flat surface (like a table). Make sure your palm is facing upward. Use an exercise band across your palm to provide slight resistance. Then, using your other hand, pull the wrist back toward your body.
Elbow Curls
This exercise can be done with a barbell, dumbbell or resistance band.
If you are using a resistance band, place it under your foot. Stand with one foot in front of the other and place the band under the back foot. Hold the other end of the band with your hand, and then curl your arm toward your shoulder.
How Do I Know If My Elbow Pain Is Serious?
Sometimes, you don’t.
Only an evaluation from an experienced physician–like ours at Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic–can make an accurate diagnosis.
However, here are some indicators that could signify a more serious problem:
- Did you hear a crack or snap–particularly after a sudden elbow injury?
- Do you have severe pain?
- Is there swelling and bruising around your joint?
- Can you move your elbow normally?
If you have a serious injury, it may require elbow surgery.
The Raleigh Bone Joint Surgery Clinic Provides Relief From Elbow Pain
You shouldn’t live with constant pain and discomfort. You simply don’t have time. Elbow problems can affect everything from your work to your tennis serve. But there are many potential causes of your distress.
That’s why you need assistance from the leading board-certified orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh. Please don’t wait; If you do, you could be opening yourself up to a more serious medical issue. Contact us for an appointment today.