Any form of pain that originates from tissues in the elbow joint or in structures close by is referred to as elbow pain. There are many reasons why elbow pain develops. The majority of causes of elbow discomfort are overuse or strain on the elbow joint's structural components, however others are related to trauma, infection, and/or autoimmune conditions [1].

There are several different risk factors for elbow pain, from repetitive motions to sports participation to conditions like infection, trauma, and rheumatoid arthritis [1-2].

Resting the joint by lowering its stress and mobility is a key component of treating elbow discomfort. Various other therapies are dependent upon what is causing the joint discomfort. To create suitable treatment protocols, which may call for casts and surgical intervention, orthopaedic consultation is frequently advised [3].

Common home cures include rest, cold packs, and compression of the elbow joint. There are more, but see a doctor before using them [4].

The prognosis is very excellent for the majority of people with elbow joint discomfort if they receive prompt and effective treatment. If joint pain is permitted to persist or is brought on by a condition that could worsen if left untreated, the outlook is worse [5].

Numerous research carried done in various regions of India show that individuals are generally unaware of elbow pain. In order to affect a behavioural change when the populace is most receptive, the proper information at the right time is crucial because this disease is mainly preventable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of elbow pain prevention strategies and practises among ortho OPD patients at the Regional Hospital in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.                

Objectives of the Study

• To evaluate the knowledge of patients attending Ortho OPD towards Prevention of elbow pain at the Regional Hospital in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh

• To evaluate the  practices of patients attending Ortho OPD at the Regional Hospital in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh on having  elbow pain    

• Research Approach: Descriptive

• Research Design: Cross Sectional Hospital Based Survey

• Setting of the Study: Ortho OPD of  Regional Hospital in Bilaspur of Himachal Pradesh

• Study duration: July 2022 to  September 2022

• Study population: Ortho OPD patients in Regional Hospital in Bilaspur of Himachal Pradesh

• Sample Size: 400 assuming 50%  adults have adequate knowledge of preventive factors for elbow pain and practices of patients in case of elbow pain, 5% absolute error, 95% confidence level, and 5% non-response rate

• Sampling Technique: Convenience  Sampling Technique

• Sampling Criteria: First five patients attending the Ortho OPD of Regional Hospital, Bilaspur everyday were selected till the completion of sample size after explaining the purpose of the study. Informed consent/assent was taken from  them and confidentiality  of the selected  participants was also maintained 

• Inclusive Criteria: Patients selected during the day of data collection in study setting and who were willing to participate in the study.

• Exclusion Criteria: Patients who were not willing to participate in the study 

• Development of Tool: Knowledge related questionnaires

Description of Tool

• Section A: Socio-demographic characteristics of the patients (Age, Gender etc.)

• Sections B:  Questions regarding knowledge of preventive factors for elbow pain and practices of patients in case of elbow pain

• Validity of Tool:  By the experts in this field

• Permission:Obtained from the concerned head of the Regional Hospital, Bilaspur

• Data Collection: By the researcher themselves and patients were given 5 minutes time to complete that questionnaire and collected at the end of the prescribed time

• Data analysis:Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analysed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies, percentage, mean standard deviation etc

• Ethical Considerations: Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained

The present study was Non-experimental descriptive study carried out to evaluate knowledge of preventive factors for elbow pain and practices of patients in case of elbow pain at Regional Hospital in Bilaspur of Himachal Pradesh.

In the present study 37.5% (150) of the Patients fall were below 40 years of age while 62.5% (250) were above 40 years. 55% (220) of patients were male and 45% (180) were female.

Among the total patients maximum 296(74%) replied that taking Frequent breaks from repetitive tasks helps in prevention of elbow injury or pain followed by Interchanging hands during activities, such as when sweeping, or gardening 395         (73.75%), Avoid overuse of arm by doing repeated movements287    (71.75%),  Avoid lifting a heavy weight 286(71.5%), Avoid making the same hand and arm movements over and over 284 (71%), Avoid falls on ground  266 (66.5%),    Use    the   correct techniques or positions during activities  264(66%), Avoid sleeping on one's side with the elbow bearing chest weight 250(62.5%),Avoid leaning of elbow on the hard surfaces 242(60.5%), Avoid leaning on elbow for prolonged periods 222 (55.5%) and Warming up before playing sports or exercise 181(45.25%) (Table 1)

Among the total patients maximum 318(79.5%) replied that they applied of pain relief gels upon elbow during pain followed by  Avoid lifting heavy weight 298(74.5%), Rest the elbow joint  297(74.25%), Immobilize  the elbow  289(72.25%), Avoid any stress on elbow  286(71.5%), Pain relief medications 286 (71.5%),Cold applications180(45%), Stretching exercises for elbow 148(37%), Calcium and Vitamin D supplements 118(29.5%), Compression & Wrapping with elastic bandage 105(26.25%), Heat applications 103 (25.75%), Specific and correct type of elbow band 97(24.25%), use elbow sling 83(20.75%)  during elbow pain. (Table 2)

Table 1: Knowledge of Patients towards Prevention of Elbow Pain

Table 2: Practices of Patients in Case Elbow Pain

Due to a strain, sprain, fracture, dislocation, infection, autoimmune disorder, malignancy, or trauma to the structures in and around the elbow joint, elbow pain is a sharp, dull, searing, or pressure discomfort or pain that can be intermittent, persistent, or shooting [6]. 

Lowering stress and boosting elbow joint strength are the main goals of primary care management of elbow pain. Relative rest is advised, and activities that exacerbate symptoms should be avoided by the patient. Rehabilitative exercises and physical therapy increase muscle strength, while counterforce bracing (a band over the muscle body) lowers tension. Preventing elbow pain can be greatly aided by performing wrist and forearm stretching and strengthening exercises [7-8].

In the present study, the majority of patients, 296 (74%), agreed that frequent breaks from monotonous work help prevent elbow pain or injury. These responses were followed by those of 395 (73.75%), 287 (71.75%), 286 (71.5%), and 284 (71%), who advised patients to avoid lifting heavy objects and refrain from performing the same hand and arm motions repeatedly. Maximum 318 patients (79.5%) said they applied pain-relieving gels to their elbows when they were in pain, followed by 298 patients (74.5%), 297 patients (74.25%), 

289 patients (72.25%), 297 patients (74.25%) who immobilised their elbows, and 286 patients (71.5%) who said they avoided lifting heavy objects.

RICE therapy is another form of treatment for elbow discomfort. The translation of this therapy is to rest, freeze, compress, and elevate. This means to elevate the injured elbow whenever possible and rest the afflicted elbow while using ice to decrease any discomfort or swelling. Compress the elbow by wrapping it in an elastic medical bandage. To lessen strain, use an elbow strap. If the muscles in the affected area are weak, your doctor may advise physiotherapy activities. These exercises will ensure that any stiffness in the elbow joint is diminished and that flexibility is increased. As part of the treatment, if the injury to the area is not much, your doctor may also prescribe pain killers or steroid injections to reduce pain and swelling temporarily [9-10].

Work-related issues that cause elbow pain are more difficult to treat non-operatively. In this case, think about encouraging patients to take a brief leave of absence from work to encourage rest and aid in the restoration of function. Reviewing the patient's progress after 2-4 weeks, depending on the severity of their symptoms, is a fair alternative for follow-up that is individualised for each patient [4-5].

The most effective treatments for elbow discomfort are rest, stretching, ice, and physical therapy. Stretching and exercising may help with rehabilitation and pain management. But in severe circumstances, surgery might be required.

1. Versus Arthritis. “Elbow Pain.” https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/elbow-pain/. Accessed 12 July 2022.

2. Medical News Today. “What Causes Elbow Pain?” https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175848. Accessed 13 July 2022.

3. WebMD. “Guide to Elbow Pain.” https://www.webmd.com/pain-managemen t/guide/elbow-pain. Accessed 13 July 2022.

4. Physio-Pedia. “Lateral Epicondylitis.” https://www.physio-pedia.com/Lateral _Epicondylitis. Accessed 14 August 2022.

5. Physio-Pedia. “Medial Epicondyle Tendinopathy.” https://www.physio-pedia.com/Me dial_Epicondyle_Tendinopathy.Accessed 14 August 2022.

6. WebMD. “R.I.C.E. Method for Injuries.” https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/rice-method-injuries. Accessed 15 August 2022.

7. HCAH. “Elbow Pain Treatment.” https://hcah.in/health-advantage/elbow-pain-treatment/. Accessed 15 August 2022.