If you’re experiencing arm or elbow pain, there are a number of issues you might be dealing with. It could be an injury from playing sports, as golfers, baseball players and tennis players often have elbow disorders. Other possible causes of pain include bursitis, osteoarthritis, ligament strains and ligament sprains.

When you’re dealing with arm or elbow pain, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a pain management specialist or sports doctor to determine what’s going on. You don’t want to overlook an underlying condition like an infection or arthritis. Once you know what’s going on, you can work with your doctor to treat your symptoms.

Here are the best pain management techniques to follow when treating arm and elbow injuries.

RICE Method

The RICE method refers to Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Arm and elbow pain respond well to this method, especially when used alongside an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen. It’s generally recommended to ice the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes every 4 to 6 hours.

If you’re diagnosed with a condition like tennis elbow, your sports doctor may also recommend wearing a compression sleeve, as they stimulate blood circulation and promote recovery and healing. Lastly, rest the arm as much as possible so that you give it a chance to recover.

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections have been shown to be effective at decreasing pain and inflammation. Your doctor may recommend these injections if you don’t see improvement with at-home remedies. However, cortisone injections may not be the best treatment for a condition like tennis elbow because it does not cause inflammation in the tendon. Steroid injections are better for things like bursitis.

Platelet Rich Plasma Injections

PRP injections involve separating your blood into different components. PRP contains a high concentration of platelets which naturally contain growth factors that stimulate the healing process. If your sports doctor does not feel that steroid injections are the best way to treat something like tennis elbow, they may recommend PRP injections instead. This treatment is safe and effective.

Elbow Pain Exercises

Your pain management doctor may also recommend certain types of elbow pain exercises to help you recover and prevent the injury from reoccurring. The right exercise will also relieve pain, increase range of motion, reduce inflammation and strengthen the muscles. Some of the most popular elbow pain exercises include eccentric exercises, isometric exercises and static stretching exercises.

Safely and Effectively Treat Your Arm and Elbow Pain

Jersey Rehab has a team of pain management specialists who can safely and effectively treat your arm and elbow pain. We have innovative treatments like steroid injections and PRP injections to improve symptoms. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at your convenience.