Elbow & Fore Arm Archives - Dr Bothma

Elbow Pain

Dr Bothma — Mon, 01 May 2023 09:31:13 +0000

Elbow pain is usually caused by an injury or other problem of the elbow joint itself or the surrounding ligamentous / muscular structures.
Pain in the forearm is mostly due to direct injury or other problem affecting the bones or soft tissue of the forearm, but there may be referred pain from the elbow and even further away – from the shoulder or neck.
The elbow is critically important for upper extremity function and persisting pain/dysfunction of the elbow region should be investigated without delay.
Special investigations such as x-rays, scans, nerve tests and blood tests are used (if required) to augment the clinical findings. Every attempt is made to reach an accurate diagnosis so that Dr Bothma may advise you on appropriate treatment.

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Dr Bothma — Mon, 01 May 2023 09:30:42 +0000

The severity of elbow injuries usually depends on the injury mechanism and may involve the joint skeleton and the ligaments stabilising the joint (fractures and dislocations) or the nerves, blood vessels and muscular structures surrounding the joint.
Fractures involving the elbow joint often require surgical management and may be difficult to recover from, despite optimal surgery and rehabilitation.
With the exception of persisting elbow instability, soft tissue injuries around the elbow usually heal satisfactorily on non-surgical treatment.
On occasion, however, Dr Bothma may resort to surgery if conservative non-operative measures are not indicated or unsuccessful.

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Dr Bothma — Mon, 01 May 2023 09:30:06 +0000

Instability of the elbow may severely impair function of the upper extremity.
The instability may be due to a bad elbow joint (injury or arthritis) or deficiency of the stabilising ligaments.
Elbow instability is often a source of considerable elbow pain but some patients with pronounced elbow instability, experience surprisingly little discomfort.
The decision-making process in the management of elbow instability is multi-factorial and can therefore be complicated.
Dr. Bothma will take all relevant factors into account and then propose non-interventionist, non-surgical or surgical management.

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Dr Bothma — Mon, 01 May 2023 09:29:34 +0000

Three major nerves traverse the elbow.
Entrapment of or injury to any of these structures may affect the elbow region, the forearm and the hand to a lesser or greater extent.
Pain, numbness, tingling and weakness are usual symptoms.
A thorough clinical examination and occasionally, nerve conduction tests, are required before a treatment plan can be formulated. Treatment may be nonsurgical or surgical.

Dr Bothma — Mon, 01 May 2023 09:28:57 +0000

Conditions such as Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow and Thrower’s Elbow occur commonly.
The injury mechanism is usually characteristic and the diagnosis is made by clinical examination.
Dr Bothma may request, x-rays or a scan if bone or joint cartilage damage is suspected.

Dr Bothma — Mon, 01 May 2023 09:28:20 +0000

Degenerative elbow arthritis may develop following an earlier elbow injury or surgery, but occasionally occurs spontaneously.
Infections of the elbow joint are rare but if present, present an immediate threat to the joint.
There are also inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, that may damage the elbow joint severely.
Elbow pain, swelling and stiffness are the most frequent symptoms.
Progressive pain and increasingly disabling elbow dysfunction require a specialist’s attention.

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Dr Bothma — Mon, 01 May 2023 09:27:45 +0000

These injuries would involve the forearm bones and/or soft tissue structures.
Fractures of the forearm bones in adults are usually surgically managed and in children, some fractures may be managed non-operatively.
There is a wide assortment of soft tissue injuries of the forearm and treatment depends on the type of injury and structures involved. As many of the forearm nerves, blood vessels and muscles / tendons go on to supply and animate the hand, hand function may be severely compromised by forearm injuries.
Dr Bothma’s opinion relies on an accurate diagnosis that requires thorough clinical examination with special investigations, if necessary. The diagnosis is the platform of the treatment plan.

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