Limited Elbow Movement Following Surgical Repair
Two years ago, I experienced a skateboarding mishap where I suffered a fracture that dislodged small fragments from the inner part of my elbow joint. This incident warranted surgical intervention, during which three tiny screws were employed to secure the fragments back in place and a torn ligament was repaired. The operation itself was conducted without complications; however, despite the successful procedure, I have struggled to regain the full functionality of my elbow. Now, more than two years later, this limitation is becoming increasingly frustrating. Throughout this period, I have moderately engaged in stretching exercises aimed at improving my joint’s mobility, but my commitment has been rather lackluster—an oversight I now regret. Recently, I acquired health insurance through my employment, which has prompted me to consider seeking professional evaluation of my elbow to understand possible treatment options. That said, I am somewhat hesitant, fearing that a prescription for physical therapy might only prolong my recovery, leading me to contemplate whether I should continue my home stretching regimen instead. A few details worth mentioning: - My most recent X-ray results indicated no underlying bone issues, according to my physician. - On a daily basis, I can flex my elbow fully, but I can only extend it to about 15 to 20 degrees from completely straight. - Experiencing discomfort when attempting full extension, the sensation is more akin to a stretching discomfort rather than sharp pain. This discomfort intensifies as I reach a hard stop approximately 10 degrees shy of total extension. - Additionally, my elbow joint produces a crackling noise during movement, which my physical therapist attributed to potential scar tissue buildup two years ago. I have a suspicion that the challenges I face may stem from tendon issues or scar tissue formations, but I am not a medical expert! What are your thoughts on this matter?
Answers (1)
2/5/2026, 9:10:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing ongoing challenges with your elbow movement following your injury and surgery. While it's positive to hear that your X-ray results showed no underlying bone issues, it's not uncommon to encounter limitations in range of motion and discomfort after such procedures, especially related to scar tissue or tendon issues.
Explanation
The limitations in your elbow extension, especially the discomfort during stretching and the crackling noises, can indeed be signs of scar tissue formation or soft tissue tightness. Scar tissue can develop after surgery and may restrict movement, which could explain the discomfort you're experiencing as you attempt to extend your arm fully. Engaging in stretching exercises—while potentially unstructured—can help, but inconsistent effort might hinder progress.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions you can take to improve your elbow function:
-
Increase Commitment to Stretching: Aim to perform a consistent stretching routine for your elbow at least 5 times a week. Consider incorporating both static stretches (holding a position) and dynamic stretching (gently moving your elbow through its range of motion). Focus on gentle movements to avoid exacerbating discomfort.
-
Introduce Strengthening Exercises: Once you feel comfortable with stretching, gradually include light strengthening exercises that target the muscles around your elbow. This can help improve stability and support your joint. Simple activities like wrist curls or resistance band exercises can be effective.
-
Seek Professional Guidance: With your new health insurance, it’s valuable to consult a healthcare provider or a physical therapist. They can assess your range of motion, tailor a rehabilitation program to your needs, and ensure your exercises are correctly performed to avoid injury and maximize benefits.
-
Consider Scar Tissue Management: Discuss with your therapist options such as manual therapy which may help break down scar tissue or techniques to improve mobility.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a log of your activities, including stretches and exercises, and note your comfort and range of motion. This can help identify effective strategies and inform your therapist of your progress.
Taking these steps can help you regain function and alleviate the frustration stemming from your limited elbow movement. Progress takes time, but with consistent effort and the right support, you can improve your situation. Let me know if you need further information or assistance!
Related Questions
Understanding Foot Injuries: Bruising or Fracture?
Over a week ago, I suffered an injury to my foot when I accidentally dropped a 35-pound weight on it. Initially, it became swollen and discolored, although the swelling subsided somewhat after a few days. Now, after eight days, the pain remains intense, making it incredibly difficult to walk, particularly when my shoes press against the top of my foot—walking barefoot is also a struggle. After visiting urgent care, I was informed that my X-ray did not reveal any fractures. However, I felt hurried out of the facility without any further evaluation or additional information, except to take ibuprofen, which has had no effect on my discomfort. The bruising persists, albeit not in a very dark shade. I'm left wondering whether a potential fracture could have been missed on the X-ray, or if my soft tissue has sustained such significant damage that it mimics the sensation of a broken bone. Furthermore, I noticed that the top of my foot was somewhat numb the day I sought medical attention, raising additional concerns about the nature of my injury.
Seeking Comfort: Is My Foot Really Okay?
A few weeks ago, I had a mishap in my driveway while merely walking. As I attempted to maneuver around my car to grab some groceries, I unintentionally twisted my right foot, causing it to roll awkwardly on its outer edge. Initially, I felt fine; in fact, I was embarrassed when my boyfriend found me sprawled out on the ground. However, within an hour, I realized I couldn't put any weight on it, prompting him to take me to the hospital. After performing x-rays, the doctors diagnosed it as a sprain and provided me with a flat shoe to wear—thankfully my ankle was unharmed and didn’t require a boot. Here’s where my anxiety kicks in. A colleague of mine recounted a similar experience where he was told his foot was sprained after an x-ray, only to suffer ongoing pain weeks later. Seeking further evaluation from a podiatrist, he learned that fractures can often be overlooked in initial scans. Now, two decades later, he has a metal plate in his foot and it continues to trouble him. Fast forward to now, I’m nearing the three-week mark since the incident. I’ve stopped wearing the medical shoe, yet there's still significant discomfort. I can put weight on it, but the localized pain persists on the outer side. Bruising appeared after three days, and from what I’ve interpreted from online images, it aligns with a mid-foot sprain. However, when I engage the area by rolling my foot towards my toes, it feels unstable, as though something is off. Although I recognize my worries may be unfounded, my anxiety is hard to shake. With an international trip approaching on the 6th of March, I dread the possibility of needing a cast, which would surely complicate my travel plans!
Understanding Bone Fractures and the Body's Healing Process
When a bone shatters into several fragments, does the body safeguard these bone pieces and any loose ends? For instance, with a fractured clavicle in multiple sections and surgery planned eight days post-injury, does this ease concerns regarding the fragments damaging arteries or becoming dislodged? I prefer not to bother the surgeon with follow-up inquiries, so I'm posing my question here. Male, 42 years old, 5'9" tall, weighing 175 pounds, of mixed Asian descent, has a broken clavicle, and has maintained good health for the past five days without any medication. My injury resembles a type of fracture that causes the bone to protrude beneath the skin without actually breaking it, similar to illustrations of a comminuted clavicle fracture (though I'll omit the link to avoid clutter).
Fracture of the Radial Head in the Elbow
A 37-year-old male patient, standing 185 cm tall and weighing 80 kg, is not taking any medication. He has been diagnosed with a fracture of the right radial head. A CT scan reveals the following details: - The joint surface exhibits a 2 mm step. - There is no notable displacement observed. - Both the ulna and humerus appear normal regarding structure and integrity. In terms of clinical presentation, the patient is wearing a full-arm cast and experiences pain primarily with movement, alongside a limitation in flexion. The patient has several queries: - Is surgical intervention mandatory for a fracture exhibiting a 2 mm step? - Under what circumstances is conservative treatment sufficient? - What is the likelihood of developing post-traumatic arthritis when managed non-surgically? - Are there notable differences in long-term functional outcomes between surgical and conservative treatment methods?
Understanding My 52M FOOSH Injury: Elbow and Finger Concerns
Do I have a direct soft tissue injury to my pinky’s proximal interphalangeal joint from my fall, or is this an example of inflammation caused by the ulnar nerve, possibly indicating complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)? As a 52-year-old male, I recently experienced a fall from a standing position on some slippery ice. In an attempt to brace myself, I used my arms but futilely ended up landing heavily on my elbow. At the emergency room, an X-ray examination revealed significant fluid buildup in the elbow joint, as indicated by the sail sign and posterior fat pad sign, although no fractures were identified. Additionally, an old, previously unnoticed Hill-Sachs lesion was discovered, and I was sent home with a protective sling. That first night, I developed a fever, reaching 102 degrees after taking Paracetamol, and the initial three days were marked by excruciating pain. I experienced “hot and tingling” sensations in my pinky and ring fingers, while my thumb, index, and middle fingers felt “cold and numb” right from the start. By the third day, I suspected that I had either reduced a subluxation or dislocation of my shoulder through manipulation, which alleviated some shoulder pain. On day four, I felt discomfort and slight inflammation in the proximal interphalangeal joint of my pinky. However, I dismissed it as a minor injury overshadowed by the severe pain in my elbow and shoulder. On day eight, further X-rays of the shoulder, elbow, and finger showed no fractures. The only remark from the radiologist focused on the significant joint effusion in my elbow. Meanwhile, I noted anterior–inferior displacement of the humeral head related to the glenoid in the initial X-ray, alongside the Hill-Sachs lesion; this displacement was absent on the day eight scan. Observations also revealed joint effusion in the pinky’s PIP joint. Fast forward to day 26: My elbow is gradually improving, but I still struggle to fully extend or flex it, though flexing remains notably more challenging. Rotational movements of my forearm continue to cause pain, and there’s a lingering sensation of heaviness and fullness in my elbow, with bruising nearly faded. Unfortunately, my shoulder still hurts, and there’s discomfort in the overarm muscles. I experience tingling sensations in my thumb, index, and middle fingers, yet I can manage to form an ‘OK’ sign. Concerning my pinky, its PIP joint remains red, inflamed, and significantly painful, occasionally turning bluish or purplish, and appearing more problematic than during the first few weeks. Extending my pinky becomes increasingly difficult; when stretching all fingers, it remains bent at about a 90-degree angle unless I concentrate hard to fully extend it. In various positions, tingling and coldness in my hand fluctuate, and numbness or tingling can also radiate to my elbow, overarm, or forearm. On certain evenings, I notice swelling in the thumb and the tips of my index and middle fingers. The interphalangeal joint of my thumb remains painful during movement, yet there’s an absence of redness or significant inflammation, aside from occasional swelling. My arm does feel weaker, but I am capable of holding a glass and pushing or pulling objects; however, I cannot push myself off the couch or similar surfaces.