Elbow pain can be debilitating, limiting movement and causing discomfort throughout your day. When the pain is caused by neuritis, the inflammation of a nerve, it can be even harder to manage.

Neuritis results from compression or injury to a nerve, and it often results in a sharp stabbing pain. The pain is generally felt in different areas of the arm, particularly the elbow and wrist, but can also radiate through the shoulder and neck. Here are some tactics that can help manage strong elbow pain with neuritis.

Find Relief with Rest and Ice

The first step in managing elbow pain is to reduce inflammation by resting and icing the affected area. Resting the elbow gives the inflamed nerve the chance to calm down and reduces the pressure on the affected nerve.

Ice helps to minimize the swelling that causes discomfort. Apply a cold pack on your elbow for 15 to 20 minutes every three to four hours for the first few days.

Use Over-the-Counter Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can help manage elbow pain with neuritis. These medications reduce inflammation and can help alleviate the pain caused by neuritis.

However, check with your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking other drugs.

Try Acupuncture

Acupuncture may also help manage nerve inflammation and the pain associated with it. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to help alleviate pain and other symptoms.

Several studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce inflammation and help manage nerve pain effectively.

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Physical therapy exercises and stretching can help improve flexibility and relieve pressure on the affected nerve.

Your physiotherapist can recommend specific exercises that support the healing process and can provide relief from nerve pain and inflammation. Exercise generally helps stiffness and pain by increasing blood flow to the affected area.

Use a Splint or Brace

A splint or brace helps in limiting motion in the affected area and supports the healing process. Using a brace can help prevent overuse of the elbow muscles and prevent inflammation of the affected nerve.

A brace also helps to reduce the irritation of the nerve due to repetitive or excessive activities.

Get a Massage

Massage therapy can also help manage elbow pain with neuritis. A massage helps to relax the muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to the affected area.

Several studies have shown that massage can help decrease pain, enhance mobility, and reduce stiffness after an injury.

Try Heat Therapy

Applying heat to the affected area can help improve blood flow and promote healing. Warm compresses or a heating pad can help reduce muscle tension and loosen the muscles.

The warmth helps to promote circulation, increasing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. You should consult a doctor before applying heat therapy for the best results.

Consult Your Doctor

If your elbow pain and inflammation do not improve with home treatment, contact your healthcare provider. They will offer advice on the appropriate treatment for your condition.

In some cases, where there are underlying conditions contributing to the nerve inflammation, such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or infection, a doctor may recommend additional testing or treatment options.

Conclusion

Managing strong elbow pain with neuritis can be challenging, but there are several tactics that you can use to reduce pain and promote healing. The management options you take will depend on the cause and severity of your pain.

Home treatments such as rest, ice, massage, and heat therapy are applicable for the mild pain caused by overuse or minor injuries. However, if your pain is severe, or you have underlying conditions contributing to the inflammation, contact your healthcare provider for advice and treatment.