Elbow Dislocation: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment

An elbow dislocation refers to when the bones of the forearm move out of place, either the radius or the ulna in comparison to the humerus. When either of these two bones move out of place, a dislocation is said to have occurred. This is a very painful joint pain and it requires urgent and immediate attention to help the affected individual get back to health. If not attended to fast, swelling may occur as nerves may not be working well or blood vessels may be impeded from transporting blood.

In most cases, the causes of an elbow dislocation is an awkward fall where one falls on the arm in an improper way and thus, one bone of the arm tends to be dislocated. In other cases, traumatic injury such as a car crash may cause and elbow dislocation. This can also be as a result of sport where one may be injured in sport such as football or even rugby.

An elbow dislocation is manifested by severe pain in the elbow and an accompanied swelling at the dislocation point. This makes the elbow tough to bend or even move at all. The feeling sensation may be lost in the hand if the dislocated bone tends to press on nerves serving the arm. In some cases, some patients report not to feel a pulse in their wrists. This may be an indication that the veins and arteries were hurt by the dislocation.

The elbow dislocation causes severe pain and ought to be attended to as soon as it happens. It is for that reason that one needs to go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital so as to have it sorted out. It is especially dire if one is unable to move the arm, not have a feeling in the arm or even when one cannot feel a pulse in the arm.

You should go to the doctor's office or hospital's emergency department immediately if you are unable to move your elbow, have severe pain, cannot feel your hand, or have no pulse in your wrist for timely joint pain treatments to be administered.

When one arrives at the hospital, the doctor will fast of all check the joint pain facts before going to the administration of joint pain treatments. First off, the doctor checks for a pulse so as to know whether or not the arteries and veins are affected. Next, they check if one still has the sensation of feeling and can move the fingers so as to rule out damage to the nerves in the arm. This in most cases is a good sign when one has nerve sensation as all that the doctor has to worry about is setting the bone back in place.

To set the bone back in place, the doctor relies on x-rays to show where the dislocation occurred and how to set the bone back in place. In case damage to an artery or vein is suspected, further tests are ordered in the form of an arteriogram.

In as much as an elbow dislocation is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, there are some simple self-care tips that one can use if medical attention is not close to them. The first thing to do in the joint pain treatments is to look for an icepack and place on the dislocated region. In most cases, a dislocation causes swelling and the ice pack may help control the swelling. It is also a good way to reduce the pain caused by the dislocation as the ice numbs the nerves serving that specific area.

If you desire to check if the arteries are still in place after a dislocation and that an artery has not raptured internally, one should place a thumb at the base of the wrist so as to feel for a pulse. IF a pulse is not noticed, then, you ought to seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

One can also check on the function of the nerve function by trying to open up the palm and closing it. Another thing to try is to see if they can spread their fingers apart. If all this tests are positive, there is a high chance that the nerves serving the arm are working well. If any of the above is problematic, then, it is highly recommended that one seeks immediate medical attention as nerve damage could have happened with the dislocation. After the joints have been restored back in place, the arm is set in a cast which may take anywhere from 8 – 12 weeks to resolve.

References:

https://www.jointhealthmagazine.com/jointrelief

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/arlington-heights/community/chi-ugc-article-4-nutrition-and-exercise-tips-for-people-with-2016-02-18-story.html

Most Common Locations: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, is an autoimmune condition type of arthritis that can affect five or more joints altogether. This means that the immune system mainly attacks certain parts of the body, especially in the joints.

If not properly treated, this can lead to inflammation, which will cause severe joint damage. Studies show that every 1 out of 5 people who have rheumatoid arthritis have experienced lumps on their skin. That is called rheumatoid nodules, which often joint over joint areas that tend to receive the most pressure, such as the elbows, heels, and knuckles.

During the early course of dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, the most common joints that are usually involved include:

• Your wrists
• The joints that connects your fingers to your hands
• The middle joints of your fingers
• The joints that attach your toes to your feet
• Your ankles

The larger joints are often affected later in the process of its course – which includes parts such as your shoulders, knees, and elbows. Rheumatoid arthritis usually tends to develop in the same joints on both sides of the body as symptoms and signs include pain, noticeable warmth, swelling of the affected joint area, and morning stiffness that may last over an hour.

When not treated during the early stages, rheumatoid arthritis can cause a hefty amount of damage that will become worse over periods of time. This disease has a strong potential to completely damage the joint’s tissues as well as the bones itself. Through continuous inflammation in between the spaces of the joint, this will gradually increase the damage of the fibrous connective tissue that is used to hold the skeleton together at the cartilage – ultimately narrowing down the space of the joints and eventually eroding the bones.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

As symptoms can slowly appear or start very suddenly, they are most often more severe than symptoms of osteoarthritis. As Rheumatoid arthritis often affects multiple joints, you may feel sudden pain and stiffness as well as swelling in your wrists, hands, elbows, knees, shoulders, ankles, neck, feet and jaw. There is usually a symmetrical pattern in symptoms.

For example: When the ankles on the left foot start to become inflamed, the ankles on the right will also become inflamed. After a short period of time, more of your joints will gradually get involved and become painful and swollen as well as feel warm to the touch.

Joint Swelling

This often persists and definitely interferes while you are driving, walking, working, and other daily activities. The stiffness often starts in the morning when you wake up and may even continue to last for hours, and even throughout the day. Your body may also start to feel fatigue and a sudden loss of appetite.

When multiple joints become affected, synovitis can lead to a cause of tissue tethering along with the loss of movement and joint erosion – with ultimately leads to loss of function and deformation.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

This chronic autoimmune disorder is not well understand as well as no proper evidence of what the physical and emotional effects really are to cause a trigger for the disease. Various negative findings suggest the many causes of what could trigger it, yet most of the risk is believed to be considered genetic.

Risk Factors of RA

Studies show that although the actual cause of RA is still undetermined, many cases result from an interaction between environmental exposures and genetic factors. Smoking is considered as one of the most significant non-genetic risks as patients who smoke are about three times more common with positive RA than those who don’t smoke.

A deficiency in Vitamin D is also found to be more common in people dealing with rheumatoid arthritis when compared to the general population. Although a vitamin D deficiency remains unclear whether to be considered as a cause or a consequence of the disease.

Treatment and Management for Rheumatoid Arthritis

While there is no given cure for RA, management and treatments can also improve the given symptoms and help to slow down the progress of the disease.
The main goal of the treatments are used to minimize pain and swelling while also preventing such bone deformity and being able to maintain a steady daily lifestyle. Treatment is often carried by two forms of medications including NSAIDS and Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS).

Lifestyle Habits

In order to maintain a properly overall physical function, regular daily exercise is highly recommended to protect muscle strength. As beneficial as physical activity may be, those who are struggling with Rheumatoid arthritis might find daily exercise to cause certain amounts of fatigue. Therefore, occupational therapy has proven to be a positive role in improving functional ability. In regards to diet, it is still uncertain as to what foods are proper and which are harmful.

Surgery

During the early course of RA, doctors recommend an open synovectomy or an arthroscopic to be performed as it includes the removing of the inflamed synovia to prevent any quick damage of the joints being affected. Those who suffer from most highly affected joints may require replacement surgery, as most often a knee replacement.

Alternative Medicine
 
Although there is not enough thorough evidence to thoroughly support such health approach for Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are some mindful as well as physical practices along with dietary supplements that many have found to help with RA symptoms.

Helpful Dietary Supplements for RA

Herbal

There is no support in health claims of herbal medicines; therefore the American College of Rheumatology does not recommend their use.

Omega-3

Evidence shows that omega-3 fatty acids appears to claim modest benefits in RA, though there is not enough evidence to conclude that omega-3 supplementation is a powerful and effective treatment.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is said to affect around 1% of Adults in developed countries. Recently, research showed that in 2010, there was a resulted 49,000 deaths from RA globally. Rheumatoid Arthritis most commonly started much earlier for women in the 40-50s years of age and a somewhat later for men.

References:

https://www.jointhealthmagazine.com/jointrelief

http://community.healthywomen.org/profiles/blogs/know-these-joint-pain-triggers-that-make-rheumatoid-arthritis

4 Exercises That Will Help Reduce Your Lower-Back Pain

Every year, millions of Americans are affected with chronic low back pain. This is often caused by frequent heavy lifting or a sedentary lifestyle. While some are left with very little choice, there are several treatments that range from surgery to medication to help those who suffer from lower back pains. Though the prices of these treatments come at a hefty price!

We’ve got one of the most effective and sustainable solutions to getting rid of chronic lower back pain. Regular back-strengthening exercises are extremely effective, and free too!

When practiced daily, these simple moves can reduce and even eliminate lower back pains by preventing weakness and building up back strength to help improve the body’s ability as you grow older. The back extensors, deep core stabilizers, glutes, and abdominals are the most important muscle groups to target the back area. It is also important to keep your leg muscles strong and flexible to avoid muscle strains that support the back structures.

These strength movements target the muscles must focus on building endurance and core stability. You can follow these specific exercises anywhere to help strengthen your core while supporting your lower back. It is recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine to follow these exercises at least 2-3 times a week for 20-30 minutes a session. Pay close attention to your form and movement to ensure full benefits.

Here are 4 exercises that will help you reduce your lower-back pain.

1. Decompression Breathing

Breathing exercising is great for your body, especially as you lengthen your body at the same time. This movement teaches you how to breathe deeply as you keep your spine long and strong.

Begin by standing with your toes touching with your heels slightly apart. Slowly shift your weight to your heels as you unlock your knees and gently pull the heels towards each other. Remember to stand tall with your arms reaching over your head and press the fingertips together. As you inhale, lift your ribcage away from the hips.

During the exhale, support the spine by tightening the core. Make sure to repeat this step until you feel supported and tall.

2. Forward Fold

This move is great for building back and core strength that will help you in the long run. This modified version of the founder works by placing your hands behind your back and lean forward, bringing your chest closer to the ground. It is ok to use props such as a chair to modify the full movements to help you keep a stable and neutral spine.

Begin by reaching out your arms towards your heart as you inhale and keep your hips back and press your fingertips together. Start to life the arms all the way up slowly and keep the core in to maintain a neutral spine. Hold your position for about 15-20 seconds and repeat.

To stand up, keep your weight on your heels as you slide your hands towards your shins and bring your spine into a neutral position. Slowly sweep the arms back and press the heels into the ground, then move your hips forward and you being to stand up.

3. Back Assisted adductor Extension

This is a popular exercise and for a good reason. It works by isolating the deeper muscles of the lower back with extra support from the inner thighs. This helps to activate the hamstrings and build strong back muscles.

Begin by lying on your stomach and flex your feet as you keep your legs together. Slightly bend at the knees and press your hips into the ground as you lift the elbows up as the hands begin to “float” slightly above the ground. Make sure to keep your neck long as you hold this pose for 20-30 seconds and repeat.

4. 8-Point Plank
 
Sure, a regular plank with both your knees and elbows on the floor but this special plank will focus on your abs to gain extra support for your back and spine.

Start by lying down with your stomach down and your feet extended. Keep your knees together and elbows apart towards the shoulders. Stretch your shoulders away from the ears and you gently tighten the elbows and needs into the mat. Raise your hips towards the same level as the shoulders and tighten the core to achieve a neutral, long spine.

Pull the knees and elbows towards each other as if you are bringing both sides together and hold the position for 20-30 seconds.

Research shows that strengthening your core and back muscles regularly can be more effective in treating chronic pains. Next time you find your sitting down for a long period of time, make sure to stand up and get some exercise as explained above. This practice requires very minimal time commitment and will help you gain a strong back ready for the long haul.

References:

https://www.jointhealthmagazine.com/treat-upper-and-middle-back-pain.html

http://beforeitsnews.com/health/2016/01/7-stretches-in-7-minutes-for-complete-lower-back-pain-relief-2-2610450.html