Inflammation of the elbow joint

The elbow joint has a rather complex structure, combines at the same time three bones - the ulna, the humerus and the ray. The elbow joint capsule is thin, and when flexing the arm it stretches or gathers into folds. Inside it there is a synovial fluid that plays the role of lubricant for the joint.

Causes of inflammation of the elbow joint

The inflammatory process can affect the elbow joint for the following main reasons:

1. Injuries - most often the elbow is damaged as a result of a fall or direct impact. The result is stretching, bruising, dislocation, ligament ruptures or fractures, which result in a lot of negative consequences for the joint.
2. Excessive loads on the elbow joint, including as a result of playing sports. With frequent overloads, the ligaments are stretched and can be torn, which threatens with dangerous complications.
3. Professional activity, in which the hands are for a long time in a forced uncomfortable position or make uniform movements for a long time (musicians, drivers, etc.). This can cause the appearance of microtraumas of the ligaments and condyles of the elbow joint.
4. Inflammation can be of an infectious nature when the infection penetrates from the wound surface or from the blood stream from the focus of a chronic infection (for example, erysipelatous inflammation of the elbow joint).

Symptoms of inflammation of the elbow joint

There are two types of inflammation of the elbow joint:

• internal ( bursitis ) - the articular bag is involved in the pathological process, which begins to release the pathological fluid into the joint cavity;
• external ( epicondylitis ) - the tendons of the muscles and the periosteum of the condyles of the humerus are affected.

Symptoms of bursitis:

• sharp pain in the elbow joint;
• appearance of swelling;
• redness of the skin of the elbow;
• the appearance of a seal that changes shape when pressed.

Symptoms of epicondylitis:

• aching pain in the elbow, appearing with some kinds of stress (in the rest position and when performing the usual pain motions, as a rule, no);
• swelling of the skin in the elbow area;
• crunch when driving.

The uterine lesion of the elbow is accompanied by general inflammatory reactions of the organism, such as:

• weakness;
• nausea;
• headache;
• fever, etc.

Than to treat an inflammation of an elbow joint?

In the case where inflammation of the elbow joint is suspected, an overall analysis of the blood, radiography, and analysis of the exudate from the joint cavity are required to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment of inflammation of the elbow joint is carried out by a complex method. First of all, it is necessary to ensure peace the affected joint, for which a tight bandage is used. To remove swelling and pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to use hormonal drugs with the introduction of them directly into the joint cavity.

In infectious processes, antibiotic therapy is prescribed. After relief of inflammation, physiotherapy, massage, balneotherapy are prescribed. In some cases, surgery is performed.