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What Causes Pain In Hand Around The Elbow?

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Posted on Thu, 16 Oct 2014
Question: Ever since I woke up yesterday, I am having a strange pain in my left hand, above my elbow all around it. By today it has increased and it is hurting quite a bit if I bend my elbow. Now it is paining otherwise also. I can't do anything with my left hand. This is completely sudden and unexplained. Could you advise what it could be? URGENT.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Tendonitis or nerve entrapment.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You might have ulnar nerve entrapment or tendonitis at elbow site
It occurs when the ulnar nerve or tendon in the arm becomes compressed or irritated. The common cause are -- Leaning on your elbow for long periods of time, Fluid buildup in the elbow can cause swelling that may compress the nerve, A direct blow to the inside of the elbow can cause pain.
Treatment includes--
Avoid activities that require you to keep your arm bent for long periods of time.
If you use a computer frequently, make sure that your chair is not too low. Do not rest your elbow on the armrest.
Avoid leaning on your elbow or putting pressure on the inside of your arm. For example, do not drive with your arm resting on the open window.
Keep your elbow straight at night when you are sleeping. This can be done by wrapping a towel around your straight elbow or wearing an elbow pad backwards.
Painkillers for pain ,steroids .,bracing or splinting ,nerve gliding exercise etc. will help.
You should consult to your GP for confirmation of it and also rule out ulnar neuropathy and peripheral vascular causes

I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (6 hours later)
Thank you Dr. Tayal. I got it examined by an orthopaedician locally and he said it is due to extra deposits of calcium and prescribed painkillers. Do you feel this is enough in terms of the medicine? Do such things recur? If yes, on what basis? I am anxious as I have never had something like this before.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes these will help.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
This can be due to an inflammation and arthritic changes around the joint. This can recur also. Do continue with pain killers and supplements for relief. Doing a hot fomentation will also help.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)
Sorry what is hot fomentation?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Same as hot compress.

Detailed Answer:
It is same as hot compress. You can use a wet towel dipped in hot water placed inside a zip lock bag. This is to be used for 15 minutes thrice a day.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)
ok. will do. Can I change anything about my lifestyle/ diet that could prevent recurrence?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Changing diet will not help.

Detailed Answer:
Changing the diet will not help you much. You can avoid the activities that involve the elbow movements specially the twisting movements. Avoid all painful activities and give some rest to the elbow.
Regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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What Causes Pain In Hand Around The Elbow?

Brief Answer: Tendonitis or nerve entrapment. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. You might have ulnar nerve entrapment or tendonitis at elbow site It occurs when the ulnar nerve or tendon in the arm becomes compressed or irritated. The common cause are -- Leaning on your elbow for long periods of time, Fluid buildup in the elbow can cause swelling that may compress the nerve, A direct blow to the inside of the elbow can cause pain. Treatment includes-- Avoid activities that require you to keep your arm bent for long periods of time. If you use a computer frequently, make sure that your chair is not too low. Do not rest your elbow on the armrest. Avoid leaning on your elbow or putting pressure on the inside of your arm. For example, do not drive with your arm resting on the open window. Keep your elbow straight at night when you are sleeping. This can be done by wrapping a towel around your straight elbow or wearing an elbow pad backwards. Painkillers for pain ,steroids .,bracing or splinting ,nerve gliding exercise etc. will help. You should consult to your GP for confirmation of it and also rule out ulnar neuropathy and peripheral vascular causes I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal