Elbow and wrist pain

 Elbow and wrist pain overview:

Our wrists and elbow joints are used frequently during basic day-to-day activities, as well as high-impact activities such as sports. These joints are intricate, allowing the muscles and tendons to move easily and function effectively. Regardless of age and occupation, these joints are the most used and if injured, can have a substantial impact on the quality of life. Such injuries are generally caused by a variety of factors including overuse of joints, trauma, nerve irritation or other underlying conditions or diseases.

Underlying ailments that cause elbow pain:

• Tendinitis (Tennis and Golfers Elbow): Lateral Epicondylitis (commonly known as Tennis Elbow), is a condition that presents with pain and tenderness around the common extensor origin of the elbow (the lateral or beginning of the joint). According to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, Tennis Elbow is estimated to affect 1-3% of the adult population each year and is more common in the dominant arm. Whereas, Golfer's Elbow is a condition that causes pain which originates on the inside of the elbow. This is where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bones. This injury is caused due to repetitive wrist and arm motions, especially during high-impact activities.

• Bursitis: A rotator cuff bursitis occurs when the bursa (small fluid-filled sacs near the joints) becomes swollen or irritated. These sacs are located at the bony tip of the elbow. Elbow bursitis can occur due to reasons such as a history of trauma (hard blow to the tip of the elbow) or prolonged pressure on hard surfaces such as tabletops. These can cause the bursa to produce excess fluid and swell, resulting in severe pain and tenderness around the affected bone or tendon.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune condition that affects the smaller as well as larger joints in the body. The elbow is the most common joint affected by RA resulting in painful elbow nodules. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the elbow joint is estimated to be affected in 20 to 65 % of patients with RA. Elbow pain can be experienced in the early stages of the disease. As it progresses, it affects other parts of the body including the hips, knees and hands. A person suffering from RA may experience throbbing rheumatic pain in both elbows at once. This results in stiffness, especially in the morning.

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis elbow occurs from wear and tear of the elbow joints that further damage the protective cartilage that covers the ends of the bones. The bones then begin to rub against each other resulting in deformed, swollen and painful joints. Osteoarthritis can affects any joint in your body including knees, toes, fingers and hips. According to a report published by the World Health Organisation, Osteoarthritis is the single most common cause of disability in older adults.

Underlying ailments that cause wrist pain:

• Repetitive stress: Any activity that involves repetitive wrist motion like hitting a tennis ball or the continuous use of a laptop/computer/mobile can result in inflammation of the tissues around the joints. This can cause wrist pain.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a musculoskeletal disorder that is often described as an occupational hazard. It is a common condition that causes extreme pain, numbness and tingling in the wrist. This condition occurs when there is increased pressure on the median nerve (a major nerve in the hand) as it travels through the wrist via the carpal tunnel. A person suffering from this condition may experience difficulty in grasping things due to weakness and numbness in the wrist joints. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects approximately 3 to 6% of adults in the general population.

• Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis wrist results in the wear and tear of the cartilage between your wrist joints and causes your bones to rub together without a cushion. This friction between bones leads to mild inflammation, stiffness and pain. It is a degenerative joint disease than can affect any joint in your body, including the wrist, thumb, fingertips and middle knuckles of the fingers.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a progressive condition that affects joints, including those in the wrist. It can result in Rheumatoid Arthritis wrist nodules that are firm lumps that develop under the skin near the wrist. While initially, the symptoms may be mild; it can become extremely painful as it progresses. RA can affect the range of motion and flexibility of the wrist joints, resulting in stiffness and swelling.

While both wrist and elbow pain is often a result of Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI), it can be effectively prevented and managed by paying attention to ergonomics. Making appropriate lifestyle changes can also help support the joints and avoid strain.

What if the patient is left untreated?

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can lead to extreme weakness due to lack of coordination and function in the joints. This can cause numbness and poor grip.

• Untreated Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause deformity and loss of mobility.

• Joint pain and stiffness may radiate to other joints such as the hip, neck and spine.

• It can cause severe movement restriction and dependence. This can even trigger depression and poor physical activity.

Importance of homeopathy treatment & its benefits:

Homeopathic medicine is made from natural ingredients and has no side-effects and toxicity. Homeopathy is preferred all over the world as it enables long-term treatment; helps reduce the intensity, rate of recurrence and duration of the pain with safe methods.

According to a study published in the Journal of Complementary Medicine Research, it is found that homeopathic medicine helps in the reduction of pain and inflammation associated with ailments like Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Homeopathy offers a wide range of options for wrist pain, elbow pain, hand joint pain and several other musculoskeletal conditions by treating the underlying cause. When taken over a period of time, the patient will notice the following improvements:

• reduced stress and strain of muscles

• reduced soreness, stiffness and pain

• enhanced mineral absorption

• enhanced bone repair

• minimized recurrence

These improvements reduce the emotional stress and burden of the patient resulting in an enhanced quality of life.