Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Elbow Dislocation

Ouch!

I've dislocated ankles, wrists and even a hip before. My mom even referred to one shoulder as "permanently dislocated." But this is the first time it has ever hurt THIS much!!

Looks like what happened is I weakened the elbow doing yard work, such is the nature of spring. Then I made the mistake of reaching for something on the table and was hit with an amazing wave of pain! I iced it, rested it, checked it out and knew it had dislocated and managed to reset it a day later, but the pain wouldn't go away.

After another day I called my Dr, and he sent me to an orthopedist. The ortho found that I had reset the elbow but managed to seriously pull the muscles and tendons around it until the elbow was so weak it keeps slipping - hence the continual pain.

He wrapped it and had me measured for yet another brace. This time it is a compression brace, from the same company that makes the shoulder brace I have had wonderful luck with. I'll wear the brace (once it arrives) for several weeks so the elbow can start healing, then begin yet another set of strengthening exercises. At least it wasn't too serious (I was afraid I was finally facing surgery and pins - pushed that one off a while longer :-) )