HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For Persistent Left Elbow Pain?

Posted on Tue, 17 Mar 2015

Question: for months my left elbow start paining and now it's developed into a large aack of liqiid hanging at the end of it but it is severely pinful. Please, Dr. Rynne what should I DO ABOUT it.....I'me 92 and keep busy even on my computer but getting ole is fun...every day you have new experiece but all these pains I could appreciate,doing without :-)...Thank you for a reply.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are having students's elbow

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I believe that condition which you are suffering from is called Students's elbow or Olecranon bursitis. In this condition there is fluid collection in the sack at elbow. It is common in person who sits with elbow in direct contact with table.
I have following suggestions for you.
1. Needle can be used to remove fluid from sack and after that a steroid injection is useful.
2. Hot water fomentation and compression bandage can be applied there after.
3.Tablet Brufen twice daiy.
4. Some time if sack refills than a surgery can be required.
I hope these steps will help you. Let me know if there is any other follow up questions. Please send me images of your elbow if possible.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 hours later)

I appreciate your thorough reply. A doctor I saw said to remove fluid, hole might become infected;;is that true? What kind of surgeon if I needed one would I get to do the surgery if necessary? The pain is severe even though I can take lot of pain, and even trying to get to sleep i dont know how to lay my arm down so that it's comfortable.
I am in a lovely retirement home and was wondering (since I would need it) a written prescription from you for the drug called Brufen. If so I will mail you a self addressed stamped envelope addressed to me.
Thank you Doctor XXXXXXX you have been helpful and I will let you know the outcome.
God bless you. XXXXXXX Rapp, 151 XXXXXXX Ave.,N.Haledon, NJ 07598 - 973-427-2412.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Surgery can be done by a orthopaedic surgeon

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
needle aspiration done by a professional will not cause any infection. If there is already infection than it needs to be drained by an orthopaedic surgeon. As far as Brufen is concerned it is available OTC. So you do not need any prescription for it.
Thanks

Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar