Engaging in physical labor or playing some types of sports, like tennis, can put some strain on your elbows and shoulders. Most times, the mild aches and pains diminish after several days of rest and painkillers. However, sometimes, the joint pain can persist and fail to respond to an ice pack or heating pad. If you’re experiencing constant shoulder and elbow pain, it might be time to consult an orthopedic shoulder & elbow surgeon in La Jolla. Such discomfort can make it hard for you to perform daily activities, but the right treatment can help to mitigate the effects.

How Do the Shoulders and Elbows Work?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint with the most diverse range of motion among all joints in the body. On the other hand, the elbow is a joint between the forearm and upper arm that allows for arm bending and straightening.

Ligaments, tendons, and cartilage hold the elbows and shoulders together. Ligaments connect bones to one another, tendons form a connection between bones and muscles, and cartilage helps bones to glide against one another during motion.

If an injury afflicts any of the bone or tissue on your shoulder and elbow region, you might experience pain, weakness, and numbness.

What Can Cause Shoulder and Elbow Pain?

Pain in the shoulder or elbow can be caused by any of the following factors:

  • Medical conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis and frozen shoulder
  • Bone fractures and joint dislocations
  • Joint degeneration and other cartilage issues
  • Mild strains, ulnar collateral ligament tears, and other ligament injuries
  • Rotator cuff tears, biceps tendon rupture and other types of tendon injuries

How Do You Fix Shoulder and Elbow Pain?

Sometimes, pain in the shoulder or elbow cannot be overlooked. It can disrupt your ability to perform your work duties, manage your household or care for yourself.

You will probably attempt to curb the pain by yourself first. You can keep shoulder and elbow pain under control through the following ways:

  • Avoid any activity that appears to bring or worsen the pain
  • Use elbow pads or shoulder splints to cushion sore joints
  • Take anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to alleviate short-term discomfort
  • Place an ice pack over the affected region for a maximum of 20 minutes several times per day

If your symptoms fail to improve with at-home care, you should see a doctor. Orthopedic specialists offer many treatment choices for shoulder and elbow problems. A specialized treatment plan can help to tackle the origin of your pain. Based on the severity of the disorder, the treatment might include any of the following:

  • Cortisone injections to ease inflammation
  • Orthopedic rehabilitation
  • Slings and splints
  • Elbow surgery
  • Shoulder surgery
  • Arthroscopic surgery

How Can You Prevent Shoulder and Elbow Pain?

Prevention is always the best policy. You may be able to prevent shoulder and elbow pain through the following ways:

  • Avoid movements that bring pressure on sore arm joints, like leaning on a desk
  • Do not carry heavy things that put a strain on your shoulders
  • Maintain care when lifting heavy objects, so that you can avoid damage to the elbows or shoulders
  • Consult a physical therapist on the safest ways to utilize your joints during day-to-day activities or physical exercises
  • Take regular breaks from repetitive movements to rest your elbows and shoulders

If you suffer any shoulder or elbow pain, you should consult a doctor right away. Prompt treatment can help to reverse any effects.