To introduce our second blog post about elbow pain, we will explore some of the causes, apart from Tennis or Golfer’s elbow which we covered in our previous blog post, as well as the symptoms and treatment options of elbow pain, thereby helping individuals understand and manage these conditions effectively. This blog post will cover gout, which will be a prominent condition we discuss, as well as traumatic injuries of the elbow.
Gout – what is it? Why does it happen? How do we manage it?
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. While it most commonly affects the big toe, gout can also manifest in other joints, including the elbow.
Cause
Gout occurs due to the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid is a waste product produced by the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods and are also naturally produced in the body. When the body is unable to eliminate uric acid efficiently, it can accumulate and form crystals, leading to gout attacks. Several factors contribute to the development of gout, including genetics, obesity, certain medications, and dietary choices.
Symptoms
Sudden and intense pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected joint. When gout affects the elbow, these symptoms manifest in the form of severe elbow pain, making it difficult to move or perform daily activities. The pain associated with gout in the elbow can be excruciating and may last for a few days or longer without treatment. Some people may also experience fever and a general feeling of illness during the gout attack.
Treatment
Gout in the elbow can be a painful and debilitating condition. As chiropractors, we look at the holistic treatment of our patients. Everything is connected and we care about our patients’ health from every angle. Gout may not be a condition where Chiropractic adjustments can directly take the uric acid crystals away, but they can give the body and nervous system the best ability possible to heal.
It is important to manage gout with a combination of lifestyle changes, medication (when necessary), and self-care strategies. Rest immobilization and cold therapy are necessary to provide relief and help reduce further swelling and inflammation during the acute phase. Once the initial inflammation subsides, heat therapy in the form of warm compresses or a heating pad can provide soothing relief.
Diet and lifestyle changes are non-negotiable. Foods that are high in purines such as organ meats, shellfish, and certain types of fish are best to avoid helping prevent gout attacks. Staying well hydrated, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight are also very important factors. Early diagnosis and timely intervention are key to managing gout effectively, so don’t hesitate to seek out the correct medical advice.
The next condition we will be discussing is trauma to the elbow.
The elbow is a remarkable joint that enables a wide range of movements, from flexion and extension to rotation. However, like any joint, it is susceptible to trauma and injury.
Elbow trauma can occur due to various reasons including:
- Falling on an outstretched hand can lead to direct impact on the elbow joint, causing injury.
- High-impact occupations and sports such as tennis, basketball, or gymnastics where there is excessive strain on the elbow joint, leading to sprains, strains, or fractures using a direct blow or repetitive stress and overuse.
The most affected structures in the elbow due to trauma would be the ligaments, tearing, or the joint and bone itself, using dislocation or fracture.
Symptoms include:
- Pain is the primary symptom, ranging from mild discomfort to severe sharp pain depending on the severity and type of injury.
- Swelling and bruising depending on the severity and type of injury.
- Restricted range of motion making it difficult to flex or extend the elbow.
- Instability can occur when there is severe trauma resulting in dislocation or complete ligament tearing. This causes a visible deformity and loss of function.
Traumatic injuries will be diagnosed with your Chiropractor after a physical examination. If a severe injury is suspected and with little response to conservative treatment, it may warrant further imaging (X-ray or MRI) and a specialist consultation.
As we explained above about gout, chiropractors use a holistic approach to the treatment of patients. We are here to assist with the best recovery possible. We manage the biomechanical fallout and increase healing time by using the nervous system. This is not to be underestimated. When there is any form of injury involved, there are immediate compensatory changes within the neck, shoulders, and spine. To prevent overload of these joints, we use Chiropractic adjustments to ensure they are all moving properly to manage the added load better. The nervous system is highly complex and as Chiropractors we can tap into that ability and harness it to significantly reduce the healing time. We have seen these phenomenal results time and time again.
An elbow injury can significantly impact your quality of life, but with proper understanding and timely intervention, it can be effectively managed. If you experience persistent or worsening elbow pain, it is important to consult with us at Chirolink to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. By following preventative measures and adopting healthy habits, you can reduce the risk of elbow pain and maintain optimal joint health for years to come.
Keep a look at our next blog post in the series about elbow pain. In that post we will be discussing cubital tunnel syndrome as well as elbow pain referred from the neck.