Perception Regarding Elbow Pain among Ortho OPD Patients of Hilly Area of Himachal Pradesh

bstract: Background: A frequent presenting complaint in primary care is elbow pain. Any part of the joint, such as the tendons, bursae, bones, or nerves, might develop pathology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of elbow pain prevention strategies and practices among Ortho OPD patients at the Regional Hospital in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. Material and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted between Aug- December 2020 among Ortho OPD patients at the Regional Hospital in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh selected by convenience Sampling Technique.Information regarding their socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge regarding prevention and practices during elbow pain were obtained using a self-administered, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Epi info v7 software using appropriate statistical tests. Results: 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. 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. Conclusion: The most effective treatments for elbow discomfort are rest, stretching, ice, and physical therapy. Stretching and doing out may help with rehabilitation and pain management.