Elbow
The elbow is the joint connecting the arm with the forearm. It functions as a hinge allows the arm to bend and extend (movement flexion and extension) and rotating the forearm on its axis to allow guiding hand (movement rotation).
What is formed elbow?
The elbow consists of three bones: humerus, ulna and radius, which are joined by ligaments (lateral collateral ligament and medial collateral ligament).
- The humerus is the arm bone, that runs from the shoulder to the elbow.
- The radius is one of the bones of the forearm that extends from the elbow to the wrist. If we stand, with the palm upward, the radio is on the outer side, on the thumb side.
- The ulna is the other forearm bone that goes from elbow to wrist, and is next to the Radio. If we stand, with the palm upward, ulna is the inner part of the forearm.
The elbow joint is held together by ligaments, muscles and tendons and shape of the bones.
- Ligaments connect bone to bone.
- The muscles and tendons allow the bones to move around each other.
- The shape of the bones easier to fit the elbow.
Main problems of the elbow
The most common elbow problems are usually:
- tendons tear (as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow).
- tendonitis or inflammation of the tendons (which are the soft tissues that attach muscle to bone)
- instability,
- the fractures
- arthritis and other diseases that cause pain and prevent or hinder the movement.
- Dislocation of elbow (subluxation of the radial head) occurs when the bone slips out of its normal position at the elbow joint. It is usually due to trauma, as a violent fall on his face with strong support from the hand to the ground, when the elbow flexed supports body weight. It is also a common injury in children under five, when someone pulls very strong arm them.
- The bursitis.
- Osteoartitis. Occurs when the joint space narrows and the protective cartilage wears elbow.
- Other causes of pain can be muscle strain or an infection in the elbow.
Prevention
A balanced program of aerobics, stretching and strengthening helps you stay physically fit and prevent elbow injuries. If you think you have an injury, consult a physician or physical therapist before following any exercise program.
To prevent arthritis of the elbow, it is recommended that people who perform heavy work or sporting activities strengthen the muscles around the elbow, properly prepare and employ good technique for such activities. The best way to avoid injury is to prevent osteoarthritis in the joint. If an injury occurs, is important to treat immediately.
Top treatments
Treatments depend on the source of pain, are among the main:
- Analgesics.
- Antibiotics.
- Injections of corticosteroids.
- Injections of hyaluronic acid.
- Growth Factors.
- Physiotherapy.
- Surgery (last resort).
FAQ
- What can I do if my family doctor diagnosed me epicondylitis or tennis elbow?
If after a week of less activity and take NSAIDs symptoms do not go away, should go al the orthopedic surgeon orthopedic surgeon. If after a period of rehabilitation and use of a special brace is not helping, the trauma will be given a maximum of three injections. If symptoms persist even, is indicated the treatment with growth factors, to do in consultation or in the operating room. One case each 100 It will require further surgical intervention, today can be done arthroscopically.
- I have a stiff elbow after an operation, Is there any way to get increase joint mobility, I must settle the? Now, by arthroscopic arthrolysis combined with the use of an external fixator, You can get beat much of the stiffness. Arthrolysis involves the release of adhesions of the synovial capsule or ligaments to restore joint mobility.
- I notice that I get the elbow site, Do something??
Many times it can reconstruct the ligaments to confer stability, As in the knee joint.