It is common to experience elbow pain in East Brunswick, depending on the nature of your activities. Although some cases can seem minor, it is obvious that the discomfort will disrupt your daily activities, and you ought to seek expert help. Before recommending surgery, your provider might find it helpful to try conservative measures to ease your pain. Some home remedies are effective in alleviating some cases of elbow pain and can also help you prevent the condition in the future, especially if you are involved in activities involving repetitive motions of the elbow. Here are some simple ways to manage elbow pain.
Stop Problematic Movements
If you realize some movements are causing your elbow pain, it would be good to avoid them. Notice when your elbow hurts, especially when doing certain things like playing golf or tennis, dancing, or doing yoga. You can restrain from the activities for a while to rest your elbow and get some relief. You can discuss changing the nature of your work with your employer until you recover from your painful condition. Additionally, you can seek assistance from an occupational therapist to understand how you can promote healing in your joints.
Try Pain Relievers
Some cases of elbow pain can go away with pain medications. Consult your doctor about the right over-the-counter pain relievers, including the right dose you should take to get pain relief. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are some of the drugs that can dull your pain when taken about every 4-6 hours daily or as your doctor recommends. You can either take the drugs before or at the onset of your pain.
Consider Cold Therapy
Cold therapy can help you find elbow pain relief temporarily. You can maximize the benefits of cold therapy by using it at least three times a day. Grab an ice pack and wrap it with a towel before placing it on your elbow. You can also use a bag of frozen peas or wrap a cold compress if you don’t have an ice pack. Hold the ice on the elbow for about 20 minutes and take a break before placing it back. Wait for another 20 minutes before applying the cold therapy again to avoid skin complications.
Elevate Your Arm
Improving circulation in your elbow can offer some pain relief. Prop your elbow up to prevent fluid pooling at the affected area and maintain the arm above your heart level. This will allow the fluid to be carried to other parts of your body, minimizing the inflammation. You can use a pillow or two to elevate your elbow when sitting or sleeping. You can also invest in an elbow strap to limit your elbow’s movement and offer additional support.
Invest in an Elbow Compression Brace
You can reduce soreness and swelling in your elbow by wearing compression garments. A compression brace will boost circulation in the affected area, improving oxygenation to your muscle tissues. This will alleviate your pain and promote quick recovery. You can use an ACE wrap or a compression sleeve which are readily available in the local stores. Additionally, you can wear a compression sleeve when exercising even after your pain is no more for extra support.
Reach out to Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates, LLP today to get your elbow pain diagnosed. The treatment alternative will depend on the findings of the diagnosis and severity of your pain. Remember to consult on the home remedies before you try treating the pain on your own.
