Sudden elbow pain, as if it had been sprained
Sudden elbow pain resembling a sprain may be caused by conditions such as elbow joint strain, cervical spondylosis, or gout. Patients can choose appropriate treatments depending on the underlying cause. Specific details are as follows:
1. Elbow Joint Strain
Prolonged physical labor or repetitive movements can lead to excessive tendon friction, resulting in inflammation and pain in the elbow area. Trauma can also cause elbow pain. Patients may visit a hospital for treatments such as acupuncture, massage, or infrared radiation therapy to relieve symptoms.
2. Cervical Radiculopathy
This condition is primarily caused by herniated cervical discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis compressing the nerve roots. Common symptoms include neck pain, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, arm numbness, and headaches. In severe cases, surgical options such as anterior cervical decompression and fusion or posterior decompression surgery may be recommended.
3. Gout
Gout may occur when excessive purine intake leads to uric acid buildup. When gout affects the joints, it can cause simultaneous pain in finger joints and the elbow joint. During acute flare-ups, patients may take medications such as indomethacin tablets or colchicine tablets as directed by a physician.
In addition, other possible causes include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and joint dislocation. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation upon experiencing the above symptoms and receive treatment based on diagnostic results.