Elbow Pain from Forcefully Pushing a Door: Seeking Solutions

Injury to the elbow due to forcefully pushing a door?

I work in stainless steel engineering.
About six months ago, in an effort to open a door that was locked with a child inside, I impulsively pushed against the door with great force, considering the feelings of the child's parents.
At that moment, I felt a sharp pain, but I did not seek medical attention.
Approximately two months later, I started experiencing a clicking sensation in my elbow when applying force at certain angles.
It wasn't exactly painful, but the sensation made me hesitant to exert myself, which significantly affected my work.
After taking multiple sick leaves, I eventually went to a martial arts clinic for treatment, where I was only given topical patches.
There has been no noticeable improvement in the past month.
I then visited several orthopedic clinics for treatment and medication over the course of a week, but again, there was no significant improvement.
Now, it has been six months, and I am unsure of what to do next.
I went to a local traditional bone-setting clinic, where the practitioner pointed out that I had swelling in my elbow (specifically on the inner side of the bend) and mentioned a misalignment.
He proceeded to treat me by forcefully pulling my arm, which was very painful.
He advised that it would take a week for recovery.
However, now on the fourth day, I feel more soreness than before the treatment and am even more reluctant to exert myself.
I would like to ask the doctor if this is normal or if my symptoms have persisted for too long.
I sincerely request your guidance on how to improve my condition.
Thank you very much, and I apologize for the lengthy message.
(After all, my right hand is crucial for my work, and I have already taken nearly a month off...) Specifically, I experience pain in my elbow when tightening screws with a wrench or when using tools that require striking, as the vibrations cause pain and make me hesitant to exert force.
I kindly ask for your assistance, doctor!

Mr. Hsieh, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/29

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics

It is possible that during a forceful push, the elbow joint was injured, potentially affecting the extensor tendons of the wrist.
Based on your description, the current pain resembles that of tennis elbow.
It would be advisable to consult an orthopedic physician for an evaluation.

Reply Date: 2016/02/29

More Info

Elbow pain, especially after a forceful action like pushing a door, can be quite debilitating and frustrating, particularly when it interferes with daily activities and work. Based on your description, it seems that you may be experiencing a condition related to either a muscle strain, ligament injury, or possibly even a joint issue such as tendinitis or bursitis.
When you forcefully pushed the door, it is possible that you strained the muscles or tendons around the elbow joint. The elbow is a complex joint that relies on various muscles, tendons, and ligaments to function properly. If any of these structures were injured during your forceful action, it could lead to the symptoms you are experiencing, such as the "catching" sensation and discomfort when using your arm.

The fact that you have been experiencing symptoms for six months without significant improvement suggests that this is not a simple strain that would typically heal on its own. The "catching" sensation you describe could indicate a few different issues:
1. Tendinitis: This is an inflammation of the tendons around the elbow, often caused by repetitive stress or acute injury. In your case, the forceful push could have led to tendinitis in the biceps or triceps tendons.

2. Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: If you are feeling pain on the inner side of the elbow, it could be related to the ulnar nerve, which runs along this area. Compression or irritation of this nerve can lead to pain, tingling, or weakness.

3. Joint Issues: The sensation of "catching" could also be related to loose bodies in the joint, which can occur after trauma. This can lead to mechanical symptoms like locking or catching during movement.

4. Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues, can also cause pain and swelling in the elbow.

Given that you have sought treatment from various practitioners without significant improvement, it may be time to consider a more comprehensive evaluation. Here are some steps you can take:
- Consult an Orthopedic Specialist: A specialist can perform a thorough examination and may recommend imaging studies such as an MRI or ultrasound to assess the soft tissues around the elbow. This can help identify any tears, inflammation, or other issues that may not be visible on X-rays.

- Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can provide targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the elbow, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. They can also use modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to promote healing.

- Rest and Activity Modification: It’s crucial to allow the elbow to rest and avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. Modifying your work tasks to reduce strain on the elbow may also be necessary.

- Pain Management: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain and swelling. In some cases, a corticosteroid injection may be considered to reduce inflammation.

- Surgical Options: If conservative treatments fail and there is a structural issue (like a torn ligament or loose body), surgical intervention may be necessary.

In conclusion, while it is not uncommon for elbow injuries to take time to heal, the duration of your symptoms suggests that further evaluation is warranted. It is essential to address the underlying issue to prevent long-term complications and to restore function to your elbow. Please consider seeking a second opinion from an orthopedic specialist who can provide a more definitive diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.

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