What distinguishes acute and chronic elbow pain, and how are they managed differently?

Acute and chronic elbow pain differ in terms of duration and underlying causes, and their management approaches vary accordingly.

Acute Elbow Pain:

Duration: Acute pain is sudden and typically lasts for a short duration, often resulting from injury, trauma, or a specific incident.
Causes: Common causes include fractures, strains, sprains, or sudden overexertion of the elbow joint.
Management: Treatment focuses on relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are often recommended. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used for short-term pain relief.

Chronic Elbow Pain:

Duration: Chronic pain persists over an extended period, usually beyond three to six months.
Causes: Conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, or overuse injuries can lead to chronic elbow pain.
Management: Long-term management involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include physical therapy to improve joint function, medications for pain and inflammation, and lifestyle modifications. In some cases, more invasive interventions like corticosteroid injections or surgery may be considered.

In summary, acute elbow pain is typically sudden and short-lived, often related to injury, while chronic elbow pain persists over a longer duration and requires a more comprehensive approach to address underlying conditions.

At QC Kinetix (Orange Grove), they identify the root issues causing your discomfort and leverage your body's innate regenerative potential to promote natural healing and relief

For more details, visit: https://qckinetix.com/tucson/orange-grove/