If you have fallen on an outstretched arm, you may be suffering from an elbow radial head fracture. This type of fracture can limit your ability to use your arm in work-related activities or sports.
Physical and occupational therapy can help you fully recover from a radial head fracture. They can work with you to restore the range of motion in your elbow, strengthen your arm muscles and reduce pain and swelling.
If you are looking for a therapist to help rehabilitate your elbow, contact our orthopedic experts at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow. Our physicians are ready to help. Contact our office in Marietta or Atlanta, Georgia today for quality rehabilitation treatments you can trust!
Three bones meet to make up your elbow joint. They are your upper arm bone, called the humerus, and your forearm bones, the ulna, and the radius.
The radial head is the end of your radius bone that meets at the elbow. Its shape is cylindrical, which allows your forearm to rotate your hand up and down. The radial head is supported by a ligament called the annular ligament, which helps keep the bone in its place.
Falling on an outstretched hand (also known as a FOOSH injury) can cause the radial head to fracture. A radial head fracture can make it difficult for you to bend or straighten your elbow and twist your forearm to turn your palm up or down.
A physical or occupational therapist will closely accompany your rehabilitation and give you the appropriate rehab exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles in your arm at the appropriate time.
The following exercises may be included in your treatment plan. You should always start each exercise slowly and never push yourself if you experience pain.
A key part of your treatment is follow-up care. Your therapist will want to ensure that the exercises given are according to the stage of your rehabilitation.
Therapy programs for a radial head fracture can last up to 12 weeks. You may regain your full range of motion after 8 weeks. Occupational therapy will help you to restore shoulder and elbow mobility, upper arm strength, and normal arm function.
However, there is a possibility that your elbow’s range of motion will not return to normal after a radial head fracture, despite your best efforts and the help of your occupational or physical therapist.
If you are looking for a therapist to help rehabilitate your elbow, contact our orthopedic experts at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow. We have offices conveniently located in Marietta or Atlanta, Georgia. Schedule an appointment with one of our skilled specialists today!
Randall Alexander, MD