Sportspersons involved in any sports requiring repetitive overhead throws place extremely high stress on the arm and elbow, leading to serious overuse injuries. Compared to the acute injuries resulting from a direct fall or colliding with opponents, overuse injuries may occur gradually over time. The sports render arm injuries may include golf, badminton, hockey, skateboarding, skating, and more.
As well as this, traumatic conditions may include a road accident and falling onto an outstretched hand, contributing to arm injuries. Here we come with the most common arm injuries. Moreover, you can also find the potential treatment and preventive measures to help manage these arm injuries:
The most common arm injuries
The following are the most common arm injuries found in sports and other occupations:
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Arm biceps tendon tear
Arm biceps tendons help connect the arm bicep muscles to the shoulder joints and forearm. The tendons that connect the arm biceps muscles to the shoulder joint are called proximal biceps tendons; tendons that attach the arm biceps muscles to the forearm are called distal biceps tendons.
Arm biceps tendon tear may result from two leading causes, i.e. an arm injury and overuse or repetitive activities. Lifting heavyweight and falling on your arm can cause arm biceps tendons to tear. The injury is common in people who are continuously involved in tennis, swimming, and weightlifting activities.
How to treat arm biceps tendon tear
Treatments for biceps tendon tear may include the surgical or non-surgical process:
Non-surgical treatment
- Plenty of rest
- Break from sports or occupations that cause pain or other discomforts
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs
- Exercises and physical therapy
- Cortisone injections
Surgical treatment
Completely torn tendons may require surgery to repair.
How to prevent arm biceps tendon tear
The following preventive measures help reduce the chances of biceps tear:
- Maintain proper strength in the arm, elbow, and shoulder
- Avoid overuse and repetitive overhead throwing or lifting
- Wear arm biceps tendon supports when necessary
- Avoid using steroids
- Avoid smoking
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Arm nerve problems
Arm nerve problem occurs when any arm nerve gets pinched or compressed by the surrounding structure. The problem occurs at the places where the nerve travels through a small space or tunnel. Symptoms may depend upon the type of nerve and the severity of the damage. However, the common symptoms may include pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. The common am nerve problems may include;
- Maiden nerve compression
- Ulnar nerve compression
- Radial nerve compression
- Radial tunnel syndrome
- Posterior interosseous syndrome
How to treat arm nerve problems
Arm nerve problems may require non-surgical and surgical treatments to heal completely:
Non-surgical treatments
- Take plenty of rest
- Take over-the-counter medications
- Heat or ice massage
- Use splints or cast
- Corticosteroid injections
Surgical treatments
When the non-surgical or conservative measures do not respond from three to six months, your healthcare professional may suggest surgery. Surgery is performed to release the pressure from the affected nerve.
How to prevent arm nerve problems
By adopting the following measures, you can avoid the chances of arm nerve problems:
- Avoid repetitive movements that cause pain
- Improve your arm or hands position when you feel pain during your work
- Take frequent breaks and don’t overuse the arms
- Regular stretching exercises help keep your hands and arms safe from overuse injuries
- Wearing arm nerve supports help prevent the chances of injuries
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Arm tendinitis
The tendons are the tough bands of tissues that help connect the arm muscles to the bones and help move the arms. The actual cause of arm tendinitis is not known. However, the studies have shown that arm tendinitis may be caused by overuse of muscles, strains, an arm injury, or too much exercise. Tendinitis may also result from other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or infections.
How to treat arm tendinitis
Depending on your conditions, the treatment may involve surgical or non-surgical processes:
Non-surgical treatment
- Massage therapy
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Corticosteroid injections
- Myofascial and rolling techniques
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
Surgical treatment
When these no -surgical treatments do not progress well, your GP will suggest the surgical treatment, helping repair the damaged arm tendons.
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How to prevent arm tendinitis
Try to follow the given preventive measures to prevent arm tendinitis:
- Avoid overuse and repetitive actions
- Prepare well before playing high-contact sports associated with arm movements
- Improve your posture and arm use
- Wear arm tendinitis supports when necessary
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Sprained arm
Arm sprain may occur due to several reasons, including a direct blow to the joint, forceful twist in the arm, and falling on an outstretched hand. Common symptoms of the sprained arm may include pain, swelling, tenderness, and redness in the joint.
How to treat sprained arm
Usually, the sprained arm get better with non-surgical treatments; however, for some severe condition, surgery may be required:
Non-surgical treatments
- Take plenty of rest
- Apply ice packs to the affected areas
- Provide compression to the affected areas
- Elevate the injured areas
Surgical treatment
Surgery is required when the non-surgical treatments do not respond or when the ligament is completely torn.
How to prevent sprained arm
You need to follow the given preventive measures to avoid the chances of arm sprains:
- Avoid playing or exercising when you feel pain in the arms or elbows
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Maintain well-balanced diet
- Wear arm supports for sprains to avoid the risk of injuries
- Warm-up or stretch the arms before physical activities
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Arm fractures
Traumatic incidents, such as direct falling during contact sports or vehicle accidents, usually result in arm fractures. As well as this, direct blows to the opponents during sports or colliding with any objects can also cause arm fractures. Arm fracture may result in severe pain, swelling, bruising, and deformity.
How to treat arm fracture
Arm farceurs require serious medical attention. However, experts suggest some conservative measures to help relieve pain and other discomforts:
Non-surgical treatments
- Stabilize your broken arm by using a towel or sling
- Apply ice to the injured areas
- Apply other measures suggested by your healthcare professionals
Surgical treatments
Arm fractures require surgery to help return the broken bone to its normal place.
How to prevent arm fracture
You can prevent the arm fracture by following the given preventive measures:
- Warm-up your body before playing or other physical activities
- Regular stretching exercises help keep your arm muscles and joints flexible
- Weight-bearing physical activities help improve posture or balance
- Wearing arm supports help keep your arm injury-free during sports
Conclusion
The mentioned arm injuries are common during sports and other physical or workout activities. However, by adopting some preventive measures, you can reduce the chances of arm injuries. As well as this, these arm support braces also help speed up the recovery process following an arm injury or surgery. It is advisable to choose the best arm support accordingly to prevent arm injuries. At 360 relief, you can have a variety of arm supports to help manage the arm problems.