Elbow Pain is a common ailment affecting people of all ages. For some, it is a minor day-to-day nuisance that one can handle with over-the-counter medication or simple exercises. In contrast, it may become debilitating for others to the point where even everyday tasks such as writing or typing become difficult.
Causes of Elbow Pain
1. Sprains.
The most common cause of elbow pain is a sprain. A sprain occurs when there has been an over-stretching or tearing of ligaments, the rugged bands of tissue that stabilize the joint. If you have injured your elbow and have not gone to a doctor, a sprain is a likely culprit. A sprain can also occur if you fall or hit your elbow hard enough to tear one or more ligaments.
2. Fractures
Another common cause of Elbow Pain is a fracture, another type of injury that happens when there has been an over-stretching or breaking of a bone. Fractures can range in severity from a small chip or crack to complete collapse of the bone. Depending on their severity and location, fractures are often broken down into different levels and types.
3. Tendon problems
Tendons are the rugged bands of tissue that attach muscle, bone, and other structures within your arm to bones, tendons, muscles, and other structures in your body. A tendon problem is probably the culprit if you have injured your elbow and have not gone to a doctor. It would be due to an injury that has torn one or more tendons at the elbow joint.
4. Muscle pulls
A muscle or muscle group was injured, and the muscles or groups were too tight, so the muscles were pulling on each other. Muscle pulls occur when a muscle has been overstretched, torn, or become painfully tight. It can be due to injury to one or more muscles in your arm and is usually accompanied by pain and swelling. When this happens, an individual may have a weakness in that joint.
5. Pinch injuries
People who have injured their elbow do not realize that they have hit their elbow rather than their finger/hand, as they did not feel much of anything. Even with an experienced individual, it can be hard to tell the difference. When a person hits their elbow against a hard surface, the body will tend to protect the joint and surrounding area. Fluid will collect in and around the joint, often mistaken for swelling but referred to as a bursa. One may also feel injuries and pain in the fingers of that hand due to the impact being transmitted through the arm, especially if there is stiffness in any other part of your arm, such as your shoulder.
The Benefits of Wearing an Elbow Brace
1. Prevents re-injury during recovery
Bones and ligaments are very flexible and can often tolerate small amounts of stress over time. If a patient can continue moving their joint during recovery, they will reduce the likelihood of future pain or injury. By wearing an elbow brace, patients can continue to use their joints while recovering, which reduces the risk of a second injury.
2. Less painful than surgery
Surgery is very costly and can take a long time to recover from. If you have injured your elbow and have not gone to a doctor, a surgical option could be an option at the end of the recovery process. By wearing an elbow brace, patients can continue to use their elbow while recovering, reducing the risk of being in another surgery.
3. More positive than surgery
Surgery is very costly and can take a long time to recover from. If you have injured your elbow and have not gone to a doctor, a surgical option could be an option at the end of the recovery process. By wearing an elbow brace, patients can continue to use their elbow while recovering, reducing the risk of being in another surgery.
4. Muscle tightness.
Muscles are powerful, and strong muscles can tolerate more stress than weak ones. If a patient can continue moving their joint during recovery, they will have reduced muscle tightness. By wearing an elbow brace, patients can continue to use their joints while recovering, which reduces the risk of muscle spasms.
5. Helps the healing process
An elbow brace allows patients to move through their day-to-day activities with less pain and helps them recover faster by reducing swelling and inflammation in the joint. By wearing an elbow brace, patients can continue to use their joints while recovering, which reduces the risk of diminished healing during the recovery process.
Types of Elbow Braces You Can Wear, Orthopedic Devices
1. Hinged elbow brace.
The Hinged Brace is made with a hinge and elbow cup. It helps treat superficial injuries and strains. It is a simple option that is very useful in treating common elbow-related injuries. It is a little more expensive than other braces. The Hinged Elbow Brace is also available for both the right and left arm.
2. Immobilization brace.
It is a relatively new option for patients needing elbow surgery. It is a simple brace, but it will keep the arm immobile while recovering, which helps reduce pain and makes recovery faster. One can place it on the extremity that has been injured. It is not recommended for everyday use, as it is not very effective.
3. Restriction brace.
It is a simple and affordable elbow brace made with various straps to help maintain the correct positioning of the elbow. It is a good option for patients that are not surgical candidates and need only minimal support.
4. Mobilization brace.
It is a soft brace that is lightweight and flexible. It can be used in combination with an immobilization brace if necessary. It will help improve range of motion while an elbow brace is worn to help patients return to function as quickly as possible. One can also use this with Moist Wicking athletic tape to help facilitate recovery.
5. Compression straps.
Compression straps are a simple option for patients who may not be surgical candidates and need only minimal support. They are made with elastic on the elbow side to help maintain the correct positioning of the elbow.
Care-Med Has the Device for Your Condition.
Care-Med specializes in custom orthopedic products that allow you to take control of your recovery process. From custom-made elbow braces and arm sleeves made especially for your injury to giving you the flexibility to live life on your terms.
Elbow braces can benefit a patient’s recovery and reduce the risk of further injuries. Wearing an elbow brace can help prevent future injuries and allow the patient to continue living on their own terms.
It is recommended that patients wear elbow braces while recovering to reduce pain, decrease swelling, improve range of motion, and alleviate muscle spasms. Care-Med provides all types of custom orthopedic elbow braces – each created specifically for your condition and injury. As a result, Care-Med has succeeded in providing its patients with functional products that help them return to daily life as safely as possible.
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We specialize in orthotics, body braces, and compression wear tailored to your unique needs in Toronto. Reach out to us at info@caremed.care or call 416-782-5353 to book your fitting and consultation.
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