Overuse or repeated pressure on the elbow joint can cause small tears to form in the soft tissue, particularly where the tendon anchors to bone. These tears can cause pain and reduced movement of the elbow joint. Depending on the severity of the injury, full recovery can take up to six months.
The most common type of elbow pain is known as ‘tennis elbow' (outside of the elbow). ‘Golfer's elbow' (inside of the elbow) is a less common but similar overuse injury. Despite their names, these injuries can occur as a result of a range of physical activities - racquet sports, rowing, canoeing, weightlifting, hockey, wrestling, swimming - as well as repetitive work tasks undertaken in a variety of occupations.
Some of the symptoms of elbow pain include:
- Pain in the elbow joint, especially when straightening the arm , making a fist or opening the fingers.
- Dull ache when at rest.
- Soreness around the affected elbow bump.
- Weak grip.
There can be a range of causes
- Lack of strength or flexibility in the muscles.
- Instability of the elbow joint.
- Poor technique during sporting activities or inappropriate sporting equipment that may be too heavy.
- Repetitive movements of the hands and arms, such as working on an assembly line.
- Other factors such as neck symptoms or nerve irritation.
Suggestions for first aid to elbow injuries include:
- Stop whatever you are doing and rest the elbow for a few days.
- Use icepacks every two hours, applied for 15 minutes.
- Massage therapy and stretching of the muscles after 48 hours to relieve stress and tension.
- See your physiotherapist for diagnosis and further treatment, if necessary.
It commonly occurs in people between the ages of 35 and 55, but does occur in other age groups too.
The treatment to assist your body get back to normal is:
- Apply my athlete's oil daily to the elbows whether they are sore or not for several months once a day. Do this at night and have a loose covering you can slip on after application so the oil doesn't stain the sheet.
- A course of herbs as an internal treatment including:-Devils Claw, White Willow, Guaiacum, Equisetum, Pine Bark, Rosehips, Elecampane and Yarrow as well as the Bach Flower Remedies Honeysuckle, Vine, Walnut and Rescue Remedy.
- Also include as small amount of freshly ground millet and ground flax seedpowder in your muslei or your porridge with each breakfast meal.
I find this combination very useful and safe in reducing inflammation and pain while at the same time reducing, fully or partially, dependency on pharmaceutical drugs.
Burstitis, Tendonitis and Spurs Treatment
