4 Pain Management Treatments For Elbow Pain
Elbow pain often interferes with your daily life. Besides being in constant pain, you may not be able to lift your grandchildren, play with your kids, work, or do your daily chores. Elbow pain might be due to an injury, repetitive motion, or arthritis. It might involve your joint or tendon. The pain may gradually go away if you rest your elbow, apply ice, and allow the injury time to heal.
In some cases, medical intervention is needed to improve your quality of life so you don’t live with limitations and constant pain. The goals of your treatments include reducing pain and promoting healing. Here are four treatments that might be recommended for your condition.
1. Interventional Pain Management
Interventional pain management for elbow pain might involve injections that deliver medication to your joint or tissues. The injections relieve inflammation and reduce pain. These can have effects on long-term and short-term pain. The injections often contain an anesthetic for quick pain relief and a steroid for the longer-lasting anti-inflammatory effects.
Other treatments may be tried first, and when those aren’t effective, injections could be the right choice. The injections are given around your elbow in the painful areas. Ultrasound imaging is used to help guide the needle to the precise location the medication is needed.
2. PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used for several medical applications to regenerate tissues. The platelets are injected into joints, tendons, and other tissues to prod your body into healing itself. This is possible since platelets contain growth factors that help tissues repair themselves. A benefit of PRP is it comes from your own blood, so the risk of complications is low.
A small sample of blood is drawn during your office visit. The blood is processed in a centrifuge to remove white and red blood cells. The platelets remain in the plasma and are injected into your elbow. The platelets enhance tissue repair, but rebuilding tissue takes time. You may not notice significant results right away, so you may need to continue with other pain management treatments for a while.
3. Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana is sometimes prescribed to manage pain. You may want to discuss this option when you have your evaluation at the clinic. Your medical history and condition are carefully evaluated to determine if marijuana is right for you. The plant medicine can provide pain relief as well as act as an anti-inflammatory drug. In addition, marijuana might relax you so you can get to sleep when pain tries to keep you awake.
The doctor provides a prescription when i’s indicated and teaches you how to use the lotion, edibles, or other forms of medical marijuana so you get the best pain-relieving results whether you have joint pain or tendinitis from tennis elbow.
4. Surgery
Tennis elbow and other types of elbow injuries can often heal given time and proper treatment. Surgery may not even be necessary for your condition. In some cases of severe pain due to a bad injury, surgery might be needed. Elbow surgery is often done as an outpatient. It may be open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.
The surgery is done when a tendon needs to be stitched together or stabilized to other tissues. Damaged tissues may need to be removed at the same time. When it’s needed, surgery can help you heal better and quicker from your injury or severe tennis elbow. Several options exist for treating elbow pain. Seek relief so you’re able to work, socialize, and engage in the activities of daily life without constant pain and the inability to lift or use your arm properly. Begin by making an appointment for an evaluation to get started on a customized pain management solution for you.
Don’t wait to seek treatment if you have elbow pain. Call Pain Healing Center or book an appointment online today.
Questions And Answers
What are the common causes of elbow pain?
Elbow pain can be caused by a variety of factors including injuries, repetitive motion, or arthritis. It may involve the joint or tendon, leading to discomfort and limitations in daily activities.
How can interventional pain management help in treating elbow pain?
Interventional pain management for elbow pain may involve injections that deliver medication to the joint or tissues. These injections, guided by ultrasound imaging, relieve inflammation and reduce pain, providing both immediate and long-term relief.
What is PRP and how does it aid in managing elbow pain?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used to regenerate tissues by injecting platelets into joints, tendons, and other tissues. Platelets contain growth factors that help tissues repair themselves, enhancing tissue repair and providing relief from elbow pain.
Can medical marijuana be used for elbow pain relief?
Yes, medical marijuana is sometimes prescribed to manage pain and act as an anti-inflammatory drug. It can provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, and help improve sleep quality for individuals experiencing elbow pain.
When is surgery considered for treating elbow pain?
Surgery is considered in cases of severe pain due to a significant injury where tendons need to be stitched together or stabilized to other tissues, or damaged tissues need to be removed. It is often done as an outpatient procedure and can help individuals heal better and quicker from their injury or severe tennis elbow.
Dr. Benni is a Comprehensive Pain Management Doctor based in West Central Florida. With over 10 years of exerience as a Certified Pain Specialist, Dr. Benni is passionate about providing Comprehensive Pain Management Services to guarantee the best Quality of Pain Care to his patients in Tampa, and Brandon Florida. To reach out, submit a new patient form appointment request here.
The information provided on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.