The elbow is a hinged joint that connects the upper arm bone (humerus) to the forearm bones (radius and ulna). It allows for the flexion and extension of the forearm relative to the upper arm.
Your elbows are an important part of your body. They help you move around, perform activities, and even assist your body’s balance and posture. When you fail to take care of your elbows, they can easily become injured or develop problems.
Taking care of our elbows is important to maintain their flexibility and prevent discomfort or pain. In addition to keeping the joints healthy and well-lubricated, it is also important to take care of the skin on the elbows.
The skin on the elbows is often exposed to friction and pressure, which can cause dryness, cracking, and irritation.
Proper care can help prevent these issues and keep the skin soft and smooth. In this guide, we will explore some tips and best practices for taking care of your elbows, including the skin.
7 Ways to Take Care of Your Elbows
Here’s how to take care of your elbows and keep it in tip-top shape:
1. Don’t scratch or rub aggressively
You should avoid scratching your elbows. This can irritate the skin and cause infections, so use a soft washcloth to clean them instead. Also, you must moisturize regularly to prevent your skin from drying out.
2. Moisturize and apply lotion regularly
Take your time to wash your elbows every day in the shower or bath, and always follow up with a moisturizer. If you have dry elbows, apply lotion regularly.
Lotions that contain aloe vera and vitamin E can help reduce inflammation and soothe your skin.
Arnica oil is also a great option if you have sensitive skin or acne problems that make it difficult to go without rubbing alcohol on your elbows.
3. Exfoliate your elbows
In addition to daily moisturizing your elbows to make them softer, ensure to take action to get rid of dead skin cells while preventing their accumulation.
Exfoliating once or twice a week will help you achieve this.
For added exfoliation, use an exfoliating body wash or a sugar scrub. Use a smooth, circular motion when applying the ointment to your elbows.
Avoid rubbing too vigorously, as it will irritate the skin around your elbows and accentuate any seeming flaws.
4. Stop doing exercises if they hurt
If you are experiencing pain in your elbows, stop doing the exercises that cause it. If you continue to do these exercises, you are worsening the injury.
If there is any issue with your elbow’s health, talk to your doctor before going into or continuing with any exercise program.
5. Use ice to reduce swelling and pain
In the case of swelling and pain, the use of ice may not aid in the healing process. It can, however, alleviate pain.
Ice aids in the relief of pain and swelling caused by an injury. It accomplishes this by constricting the blood vessels.
As a result, less blood reaches the injury. An injury should be treated with ice for 10 minutes at a time. Longer applications may damage tissue. You can use ice several times a day.
6. Use elbow guards when necessaryÂ
Elbow guards can be used in various sports such as baseball, basketball, and weightlifting to protect the elbow from injury.
Elbow guards are made of hard plastic and come in different sizes. You can find the right fit for your elbows.
They’re also available at sporting goods stores, or you can make your own by cutting a piece of cardboard or thick foam into the shape of an elbow guard. You can wear your elbow guard under clothing if it isn’t too cold outside!
7. Stretch your elbows often
Stretching is an important part of taking care of your elbows, as it helps to maintain flexibility and prevent injury.
When stretching, it is important to focus on the major muscle groups surrounding the elbow joint, including the forearms, biceps, and triceps
8. If you have any doubts consult your doctor
If you have any doubts about the health of your elbow, talk to your doctor. Elbows are a common site of pain and can be injured by overuse or trauma.
They are also vulnerable to damage due to arthritis and other medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
If you’re not sure why something hurts in your elbow, don’t hesitate to ask for help! Your doctor will likely want to check out how well-functioning both joints are before prescribing new exercises or medications that might help relieve pain in this area.
Conclusion
Taking care of your elbows is an important part of maintaining overall joint health and preventing discomfort or pain. When you take a proactive approach to elbow care, you can prevent injuries and maintain flexibility, allowing you to stay active and engaged in the activities you love. Remember to listen to your body and seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain or discomfort in your elbows.
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
