What causes skin pain around the elbow joint, and what should be done about it?
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Pain in the skin around the arm joints may be caused by trauma, myofascial inflammation, tennis elbow, or other reasons, and can be improved through physical methods, medication, and other treatments. Specific analysis is as follows: If the arm suffers a heavy impact or compression, it may lead to injury of local soft tissues and blood vessels, resulting in exudation of tissue fluid and blood, causing symptoms such as pain, skin bruising, and swelling.
Pain in the skin around the elbow joint may be caused by trauma, myofascial inflammation, tennis elbow, or other reasons. It can be improved through physical methods, medication, and other treatments. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Trauma
If the arm is struck or compressed by a heavy object, local soft tissues and blood vessels may be damaged, leading to exudation of tissue fluid and blood, resulting in symptoms such as pain, skin bruising, and swelling. The affected area can be cold-compressed using a towel-wrapped ice pack to promote vasoconstriction and reduce pain. Twelve hours after cold compression, heat therapy with a hot water bag can be applied to accelerate local blood circulation and alleviate swelling.
2. Myofascial Inflammation
Frequent lifting of heavy objects or intense physical activity may cause chronic strain to the muscles and fascia in the arm, leading to aseptic inflammation. Main symptoms include joint pain, swelling, restricted movement, and tenderness upon pressing the skin. Topical medications such as ibuprofen gel or diclofenac diethylamine gel may be applied as directed by a physician to achieve anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
3. Tennis Elbow
Repeated extension of the forearm muscles can injure the tendon attachment site at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, gradually causing aseptic inflammation. Symptoms include obvious pain on the outer side of the elbow joint, a sensation of heat in the skin, and weakened grip strength. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or indomethacin capsules, may be taken orally under medical guidance to effectively inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and achieve anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
In addition to the above relatively common causes, pain could also result from gouty arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other conditions. It is recommended to visit a hospital for thorough examination and follow appropriate medical treatment as advised by a doctor.
