Elbow Pain
Serving the Greater San Bernardino County Area including Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Fontana, Upland, CA
Elbow pain might seem harmless. However, the moment it strikes, it can be excruciating and disruptive to daily life, even if the reason behind the pain doesn’t warrant a trip to the doctor. The pain can make it difficult to sleep, perform certain duties at work, or even engage in simple tasks like carrying groceries or cooking dinner.
Recovery Lab of Rancho Cucamonga can help ease the burden. With multiple wellness and recovery services, we may help ease the pain and stiffness that can come with common elbow-related injuries.
Elbow Pain
- What Causes Elbow Pain?
Elbow pain can have many different causes. It may result from an injury like a slip or fall, engaging in sports, improper lifting, bad posture, a sedentary lifestyle, or overuse.
In other cases, elbow pain can be caused by infections, underlying medical conditions, poor circulation, or even from age-related wear and tear.
- Can Working Out Cause Elbow Pain?
Yes, elbow pain can be triggered by certain exercises. Workouts or sports commonly using the arms like weightlifting, pushups and pullups, tennis, or baseball can cause or worsen elbow pain.
To prevent or minimize elbow pain, be mindful of how long, how often, how intense you work out or engage in sports. Proper form also matters when it comes to exercising or playing sports.
When actively experiencing elbow pain, consider taking some rest days in between workouts. Modifying your exercises, focusing on non-arm-related exercises, or engaging in active recovery like yoga or gentle stretching of the arms can also be helpful.
- Should I Use Heat or Ice?
Both heat and ice can be helpful for elbow pain, but be strategic with which one you pick to get the best results possible.
For newer elbow injuries, consider applying ice to relieve pain and swelling. Apply ice to the affected area 10 to 15 minutes at a time over the course of 48 hours.
Ongoing elbow injuries, on the other hand, may respond better to heat. Heat may help relax tense muscles, ease discomfort, support blood flow, and reduce stiffness often associated with elbow injuries.
- When Should I See a Doctor?
When in doubt, always seek medical attention. Some common signs it’s time to see a doctor for your elbow pain include:
- Came on suddenly
- Was due to a forceful impact, like a fall
- Severe or worsening pain
- Inability to move or bend your elbow
- Pain lasting more than a week or two
- Frequent flareups
- Radiating numbness or tingling
- Negatively impacts your daily activities
- What Wellness Services Help with Elbow Pain?
Wellness services aren’t a substitute for medical care. However, they can be a great tool to potentially aid with pain, inflammation, and mobility following an elbow injury.
Some wellness services that may be beneficial for elbow pain include the following:
- Cryotherapy: May help reduce swelling and ease discomfort
- Mobility Stretching: May help ease muscle tightness and support elbow/arm mobility
- Percussion Therapy: May help loosen stiff muscles associated with elbow injuries and can support blood flow to the area
- Red Light Therapy: May support the body's natural recovery processes, may help reduce inflammation, and may ease discomfort
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Increases oxygen delivery in the body, which may support your overall recovery
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