Arm Specialist in Singapore

Common Causes Of Arm Conditions

Arm conditions can arise from a variety of causes, each contributing to the onset of different injuries or illnesses.

Traumatic Incidents and Falls

These are the most frequent causes of arm conditions, including fractures and dislocations. High-impact activities or accidents can lead to such injuries.

Repetitive Strain

Activities involving repeated movements, such as sports or certain occupations, can lead to conditions like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. Continuous strain can cause microtears in the tendons and muscles.

Degenerative Changes

Age-related wear and tear can lead to conditions like osteoarthritis of the elbow. This gradual degeneration affects joint functionality and can cause pain and stiffness.

Inflammatory Conditions

Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or bursitis result from inflammation in the joints or bursae, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.

Occupational Hazards

Certain professions, especially those involving manual labour or repetitive motions, can increase the risk of arm conditions. Workers in these fields often experience strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal issues.

Symptoms and Signs

Several symptoms and signs are characteristic of arm conditions, including the following:

• Pain and Discomfort: A primary symptom for most arm conditions, ranging from a dull ache to sharp pain, often exacerbated by movement or pressure.
• Swelling and Bruising: Visible signs of injury or inflammation, swelling, and bruising can indicate underlying issues like fractures or soft tissue injuries.
• Reduced Mobility: Difficulty in moving the arm, wrist, or elbow suggests a potential condition affecting joints or muscles.
• Deformity: An unusual shape or alignment of the arm or elbow, often visible in cases of fractures or dislocations.
• Weakness: A general feeling of weakness or inability to perform usual tasks can be a sign of muscle or tendon injuries.
• Numbness or Tingling: These sensations might indicate nerve involvement, possibly due to compression or injury.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

For many arm conditions, non-surgical treatments can effectively manage symptoms and promote healing.

• Activity Modification
  Initially, the arm specialist may suggest modifying or limiting activities that exacerbate the condition. This gives time for the arm to heal and reduces the risk of any further complications.
• Casting and Splinting
  Commonly used for fractures, especially in children, casting and splinting immobilise the affected area to facilitate natural healing.
• Elbow Pads and Braces
  These devices offer protection and support, reducing strain on the affected area. They are particularly useful in bursitis or repetitive strain injuries.
• Physical Therapy
  This is necessary for conditions like tennis elbow. Physiotherapy involves exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles, improving the flexibility and function of the arms.
• Pain Management
  This may involve over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications to alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation.
• Shockwave Therapy
  Used particularly for conditions like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, shockwave therapy can expedite the healing process.
• Corticosteroid Injections
  For conditions like olecranon bursitis, corticosteroid injections directly into the affected area can provide relief from pain and swelling.

Surgical Treatment Options

In cases where non-surgical treatments are insufficient, surgical interventions may be necessary. The surgical options may include but are not limited to the following:

Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning

This method is often employed for severe forearm fractures. This involves realigning the broken bones without surgery (closed reduction) and then inserting pins to hold the fragments in place.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

This procedure is used when a fracture disrupts bone alignment or involves damage to nerves or blood vessels. It involves surgically opening the area around the fracture, realigning the bones, and fixing them with plates, screws, or pins.

Surgery for Tennis Elbow

In chronic cases of tennis elbow where other treatments have failed, surgery might be recommended. This could involve releasing the damaged tendon to alleviate tension.

Elbow Arthroscopy

A minimally invasive procedure used for various elbow conditions, involving small incisions and the use of a camera and instruments to repair the joint.

Joint Replacement Surgery

In cases of severe arthritis or joint damage, joint replacement surgery of the elbow may be considered.

Bursa Removal in Olecranon Bursitis

If conservative treatments for olecranon bursitis are ineffective, surgical removal of the inflamed bursa might be necessary.

Nerve Compression Release Surgery

Conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome can be treated by a procedure that releases pressure on the affected nerves.

Rehabilitation Process

The rehabilitation process for arm conditions is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. It typically involves a combination of rest, physiotherapy, and gradual reintroduction of activities. Physiotherapy can include exercises that improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Patients are guided through a progressive recovery plan, where the intensity and type of exercises are adjusted as healing progresses. This approach ensures a safe and effective return to daily activities and helps prevent future injuries.

Preventing Arm Complications

Several preventative measures can help reduce the risk of developing arm complications.

• Ergonomic Adjustments to Reduce Arm Strain: Making changes to the workplace or sports equipment to ensure proper body alignment can prevent strain injuries, especially in repetitive motion tasks.
• Strength and Flexibility Training: Regular exercises that focus on strengthening and stretching the muscles in the arm can help prevent injuries and maintain joint health.
• Proper Technique in Activities to Prevent Injury: Learning and applying the correct techniques in sports and other physical activities can reduce the risk of strain or injury to the arm.
• Use of Protective Gear to Support the Arms: Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as elbow pads or braces, during high-risk activities can prevent injuries like fractures or bursitis.
• Regular Breaks and Activity Variation: Taking breaks during prolonged activities and varying the types of physical tasks can prevent overuse injuries.