How to treat elbow strain and pain
Disease description:
Recently, I've been overworking and feel that my elbow is strained and painful. How should I treat this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Tiesheng
Elbow strain pain usually refers to soft tissue injuries in the elbow caused by overuse or repetitive movements, commonly seen in conditions such as tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. The following treatment methods are generally recommended:
1. General treatment: Reduce activities that cause pain and avoid further injury, ensuring sufficient rest for the elbow joint to facilitate healing.
2. Physical therapy: Applying ice can reduce inflammation and swelling, for 15-20 minutes multiple times daily. Ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat therapy may also help improve blood circulation and promote recovery.
3. Medication: When pain symptoms are significant, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets or celecoxib capsules, can be considered to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. If oral medications are ineffective, local injections into the painful area of the elbow joint may be administered.
4. Surgical treatment: For severe cases, surgery may be considered. Surgical options include excision of the elbow lesion or reconstruction of the extensor tendon origin to alleviate pain.
