Non Operative / Conservative Treatments
The elbow joint is a hinge joint that comprises or is made up of three bones i.e. the humerus, ulna or radius. An injury to the elbow or a severe condition which results in complex fractures/ dislocations, arthritis or loss in movement in the joint require medical attention to bring back mobility and reduce pain and swelling in the joint.
Mild problems of the elbow can be innovatively and intuitively treated by the elbow doctor with the aid of conservative techniques.
Different conservative techniques:
Treatment with conservative techniques comprise of nonsurgical modalities to bring about substantial relief to the patient regarding pain and swelling. They are also the initial step towards beginning of treatment which could be followed up by surgical technique if the patient is not relieved of its traumatic condition even after being treated with nonoperative techniques.
The different techniques that are implemented by the elbow doctor are:Anti inflammatory medications- Non steroidal anti inflammatory medicines are prescribed by the elbow doctor to reduce pain in the elbow. The patient may also be prescribed oral corticosteroid drugs to reduce inflammation and pain, if the elbow joint has sustained a systemic inflammatory disease.
Steriod injections- If the pain is intense even after weeks of oral medications then the elbow doctor may prescribe steroid injections to be inserted direct into the elbow joint to provide relief. A corticosteroid preparation may be directly inserted into the inflamed joint.
Platelet rich plasma injections- A newer modality technique which is undertaken by the elbow doctor to treat certain conditions for e.g. tennis elbow is the PRP technique. It has emerged as a rich substitute to steroid injections. Under it a blood sample of the patient is taken and then treated to increase the number of platelets in the blood count. Thereafter it is inserted into the affected elbow joint to stimulate healing.
Casts / Splints / Braces- In cases where the elbow joint has to be supported or held in place to be immobilized for healing, a step further treatment techniques which are adopted by the elbow doctor are external braces /splints. This technique is used either as a separate tool or acts as a supportive technique for other treatments.
Complications of conservative techniques:
The complications that can arise out of nonsurgical techniques may result in non relief from the condition or persistent pain and worsening of the problem. An allergic reaction to the antibiotic course or injections given to the patient, might also cause complications. Though complication is a rare possibility, as the treatment is only formulated after discussion with the patient regarding his medical history and in depth evaluation into his condition yet the complications that arise are mild and curable.
Benifits of conservative techniques:
Nonsurgical techniques lead to better results in mild elbow conditions as they are more cost effective and prone to fewer complications. Various new technologies have brought a tremendous improvement and effectiveness in nonsurgical techniques and the patient is relieved of his traumatic condition without undergoing surgery.
Rehabilitation after conservative techniques:
To strengthen the muscles, to reduce pain and stiffness and bring about mobility in the impaired elbow joint, physical therapy is an essential perquisite of treatment. It comprises of acupuncture or gentle/ powerful exercises that enable flexibility in the elbow. Physiotherapy is usually blended with nonsurgical and surgical techniques and acts as rehabilitating protocol pre and post treatment. It acts not only is an important technique of treatment conservatively it is also the most essential tool of rehabilitation along with other treatments.
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More about Dr. Vikas Gupta:
Dr. Vikas Gupta has performed more than 6000 complex surgeries and treated innumerable patients with his expertise in non surgical techniques. His diagnosis is intricate and accurate and the patient’s recovery is never under doubt with Dr. Gupta as the specialist. An MBBS and MS in Orthopedics from AIIMS and further knowledge base from Germany and USA, Dr. Gupta has an experience of 25 years in the field. He follows each case with diligence and honesty with an ultimate strife to provide complete relief to his patient for each and any problem. Dr. Gupta pursued his fellowship from AIIMS and furthered his skill as a specialist at Fortis, Medanta and at present at Max Healthcare. Dr. Gupta has authored various articles and lectures at medical conferences both nationally and internationally and has been acclaimed several times for introducing many international techniques in upper extremity field. Max Healthcare his present forte believed in his envisioned approach to medicine and treatments. With a team that cares and an endeavor to change the dimensions to medicine with specialized services, Max healthcare has introduced Dr. Gupta as the head of their shoulder and hand division.