The consequences of elbow injuries can be quite serious. The most common complication is contracture – a disorder of motor activity. Joint mobility is impaired as a result of scar and fibrous formations in the tendon area.
Another consequence may be joint instability. This problem occurs with ligament damage, dislocation of the radial head and forearm. A similar complication develops if the distal area of the biceps tendon becomes inflamed.
Experienced doctors working in the clinic quickly diagnose complications. The medical center has its own diagnostic base. All examinations – CT of the elbow joint , MRI of the elbow , ultrasound can be done within the walls of the clinic, get qualified medical advice, start treatment in a timely manner, which will definitely give results.
Kinds
The most common elbow injuries include:
– bruises;
– sprains;
– fractures;
– dislocations.
Bruises are the result of blows and falls. Sprains occur when the integrity of the ligament fibers is partially or completely disrupted. Dislocations are classified as isolated and pronation. Fractures can be open or closed, with or without displacement.
Symptoms and signs
The main signs of an elbow injury are:
– Sharp pain that occurs at the moment of injury.
– Numbness and tingling in the area of the hand and forearm.
– Swelling in the area of the affected joint.
If left untreated, discomfort in the elbow area can become chronic. When a large amount of blood accumulates, a hematoma appears. The pain may increase when moving the limb, raising and lowering the arm. Some people find it painful to move their wrist and fingers. They lose the ability to fully bend and straighten the elbow.
Numbness and tingling are caused by damage to blood vessels and nerves. In some cases, the mobility of the injured arm may be abnormal. There are uncharacteristic movements in the elbow, the arm bends unnaturally.
Treatment methods
Therapy for elbow joint injuries is performed simultaneously in several directions. To relieve pain and swelling, the patient is prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers. Local compresses help well in such cases.
If the tablets are ineffective, injections are prescribed.
Simultaneously with drug treatment, immobilization of the injured arm is performed – the limb is fixed with an orthosis or a plaster cast is applied. After the bones have grown together and the injured joint has been restored, rehabilitation is carried out, including physiotherapy and therapeutic massages, physical education with special exercises that improve mobility and restore the range of motion.
Results
The results of treatment largely depend on early diagnosis, the nature of the injury and the chosen method of therapy. The earlier the course is started, the greater the chances of avoiding negative consequences.
The patient must follow all medical instructions, in which case one can expect full restoration of elbow mobility after the injury.
Rehabilitation and lifestyle restoration
During the rehabilitation period after elbow injuries, it is necessary to perform physiotherapy procedures, do a warm-up before intense physical activity. As needed, use special ointments, fixing bandages and dressings during training.
Minor bruises heal in a couple of weeks. Recovery from a complex injury takes much longer – from six months or more.
The rehabilitation period largely depends on the patient’s age. At a young age, recovery processes are faster. Elderly people need more time.
Lifestyle for Elbow Injuries
If you have an injured elbow, you need to be careful when moving, especially if the street is icy and there is a high risk of falling.
The diet should include foods rich in calcium and phosphorus, and drink vitamin complexes enriched with microelements that increase bone strength and improve the condition of joints.
The consequences of an elbow injury rarely end in disability, but people who play sports professionally have to end their careers. The rest are forced to suffer from limited mobility of the elbow joint, which significantly reduces the quality of life.
