Elbow & Wrist

Elbow and wrist pain are common complaints that can have a significant impact on your daily activities and quality of life. Whether caused by overuse, injury, or underlying medical conditions, these types of pain can be debilitating and frustrating to deal with.

Anatomy of the Elbow and Wrist

The elbow and wrist are complex structures that control the movement of the forearm and hand. The elbow acts like a hinge and is formed where three bones meet: the upper arm bone (humerus), and the two bones of the forearm (ulna and radius). It enables us to straighten and bend our arms.

On the other hand, the wrist is a more intricate joint that supports the movements of the hand. It’s made up of eight small bones called carpal bones, arranged in two rows. These bones connect with the bones of the forearm and the hand’s metacarpal bones, enabling the hand to move in many directions.

Symptoms of Elbow and Wrist Pain

Elbow and wrist pain can appear in various forms, often presenting as discomfort, tenderness, or aching sensations in the affected areas. Individuals may experience stiffness or limited range of motion in the elbow or wrist joints, making it challenging to perform daily tasks or perform activities requiring fine motor skills. Swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint could also be indicative of underlying issues.

In some cases, arm pain from elbow to wrist might radiate to surrounding areas, such as the forearm or hand. It’s important to pay attention to these symptoms and seek medical evaluation from an expert to determine the cause and get an appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, these symptoms may extend to include tingling or numbness in the arm or hand, indicating nerve involvement.

When to See a Doctor for Wrist Pain

If you’re experiencing persistent wrist pain that doesn’t improve with rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, or home remedies like icing and elevating the affected wrist, it’s advisable to seek medical attention.

We also advise consulting with a healthcare professional if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain accompanied by swelling, redness, warmth, or numbness in the hand or fingers
• Persistent or worsening discomfort
• Loss of function, such as difficulty gripping objects or performing daily activities
• Pain following an injury, such as a fall or impact
• Pain that is accompanied by any deformity in the joint

Early diagnosis and treatment of wrist pain can help prevent further complications and ensure optimal recovery, so don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our friendly team if you’re experiencing any wrist and elbow joint pain that concerns you.

Causes of Elbow and Wrist Pain

Wrist or elbow pain can be caused by many different factors, but the following are most common:

• Overuse or repetitive strain injuries, such as those common in activities like typing, gardening, or sports
• Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, where pressure on the median nerve in the wrist causes pain and numbness
• Tennis elbow, characterized by inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow, causes pain from elbow to wrist
• Traumatic injuries such as fractures, sprains, or dislocations can also lead to wrist and elbow pain.
• Underlying medical conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, or nerve compression can contribute to discomfort in these areas.

Your doctor will work with you to identify the specific cause of any pain from wrist to elbow in order to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Diagnosis of Elbow and Wrist Pain

To diagnose the cause of wrist or elbow pain, your doctor at Princeton Brain, Spine & Sports Medicine will typically start by taking a detailed medical history and conducting a physical examination. During the physical exam, they may assess the range of motion in the affected joint, check for swelling or tenderness, and perform specific tests to help pinpoint the source of the problem.

Additional tests like X-rays, MRI scans, or nerve conduction studies might be necessary to get a closer look at the bones, muscles, ligaments, and other structures to identify the exact cause of your pain. This is particularly true in cases where an underlying condition is suspected. These imaging tests can help identify any fractures, dislocations, arthritis changes, or other abnormalities that may be contributing to your symptoms. Blood tests may also be used to rule out certain autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout that can affect these joints.

Treatment for Elbow and Wrist Pain

Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will work with you to develop an individualized elbow and wrist pain treatment plan specially developed to address the underlying cause of your problem.

This may include:

• Rest and immobilization
• Activity modification
• Ice and heat therapy
• Over-the-counter medication for pain and inflammation (such as NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility in the affected joint(s)
• Splinting or bracing for support during activities that aggravate symptoms
• Surgical intervention in cases where less invasive treatments are ineffective

Preventive measures such as ergonomic adjustments and proper sports techniques also play a crucial role in managing and preventing elbow and wrist pain.

It is important not to ignore persistent wrist-to-elbow pain, as it could indicate a more serious problem. Seeking early diagnosis and treatment from one of the skilled professionals at Princeton Brain, Spine & Sports Medicine can help prevent further damage and relieve your symptoms quickly. Contact us to schedule an appointment.