Chronic Pain from Past Injury: Seeking Solutions
I am a 21-year-old woman reflecting on an incident from my teenage years. Around the age of 15, I suffered a significant fall while ice skating that resulted in a hard impact on my elbow. The pain was intense, accompanied by noticeable swelling. For approximately a month post-incident, I experienced a peculiar sensation where what I believed was a piece of bone seemed to shift around in my elbow joint. Although the initial pain subsided after a few weeks, the dislocation of this bone fragment became a regular occurrence that required me to manually reposition it. At the time, I neglected to seek medical attention, a decision I'm regretting now. Once it “healed,” I was left with a pronounced indent in my elbow. For several years, I would only feel discomfort on occasions when I leaned on my elbow incorrectly. This would occur sporadically, perhaps once a week. During a routine check-up at 19, I brought it up to my doctor. However, her response was somewhat dismissive; she suggested it was likely just swollen tissue and advised against applying pressure to the area. While the discomfort wasn’t significantly disruptive to my daily life, it didn’t completely go away either. Now, over six years after the initial injury, I am experiencing severe pain whenever I touch my elbow. Externally, it appears normal. Although the dent remains, it is not visibly noticeable—only tangible. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I likely experienced improper healing and should have pursued medical advice when it first occurred. What perplexes me now is the resurgence of pain. Is there anything I can do to alleviate this issue?
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 10:10:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you have been dealing with ongoing pain and discomfort in your elbow since your injury at 15, and it’s understandable to feel concerned about this resurgence of pain now. Chronic issues following past injuries can sometimes lead to complications such as arthritis or scar tissue formation, but there are steps you can take to manage this situation better.
Explanation
Your history indicates that you may have residual issues from the initial injury, such as potential joint instability, scar tissue, or even the development of arthritis, which can cause pain, especially after impacting the area. The feeling of a 'shifting' bone may have been a loose body or a fragment that formed as a result of the injury, which can cause discomfort or pain over time if not properly addressed.
Next Steps to Alleviate Pain
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Modify Activity: Avoid activities that put excessive pressure on your elbow or require twisting or bending that could aggravate the area. Listen to your body and limit movements that cause pain.
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Ice and Elevation: Apply ice to the elbow for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and pain, especially after any activity that causes discomfort. Elevate the elbow to help decrease inflammation.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises if pain allows. Gradually incorporate strengthening exercises for the muscles surrounding the elbow to provide support. Focus on low-impact stretching and strengthening techniques, possibly guided by a physical therapist if available.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, as directed on the label, to help with pain and inflammation. Ensure you don’t have contraindications for these medications.
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Observation and Journal: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when pain occurs, its severity, and any activities that trigger discomfort. This can help you identify patterns and discuss your findings with any healthcare provider down the line.
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Consider Seeking Comprehensive Medical Evaluation: While it may seem daunting, a thorough evaluation by an orthopedic specialist would be beneficial. They can perform imaging (like an X-ray or MRI) to check for any underlying issues and guide you toward further treatments, if necessary.
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Explore Non-Pharmacological Options: Look into alternatives such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or massage therapy to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Conclusion
Taking these proactive steps can help you manage your elbow pain effectively. It’s crucial to prioritize listening to your body and making adjustments to your activities while exploring additional support from healthcare professionals if your symptoms persist or worsen. You're not alone in this, and there are pathways towards one day feeling improvement in your elbow pain.
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