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Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

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Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Lateral epicondylitis (commonly known as tennis elbow) is a widespread disease characterized by pain in the elbow joint (humeral epicondyles).

Epicondylitis is often found in people whose profession is associated with monotonous repetitive hand movements, especially pronation and supination, or with physical exertion on the hands in a certain static position of the body, as well as in athletes, especially tennis players. Distinguish between medial epicondylitis and lateral epicondylitis, depending on the location of the lesion in the elbow joint (humeral epicondyles).

In the treatment of epicondylitis, wearing a brace in the area of the condyles helps to relieve stress and pain in the forearm.

Epicondylitis diagnosis

Neurological examination, radiography, as well as electromyographic examination (EMG) show that most patients with epicondylitis have pain in the neck against the background of osteochondrosis of the cervical spine.

In the clinical course of epicondylitis, acute and subacute stages are distinguished.

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Lateral epicondylitis (commonly known as tennis elbow) is a widespread disease characterized by pain in the elbow joint (humeral epicondyles).

Epicondylitis is often found in people whose profession is associated with monotonous repetitive hand movements, especially pronation and supination, or with physical exertion on the hands in a certain static position of the body, as well as in athletes, especially tennis players. Distinguish between medial epicondylitis and lateral epicondylitis, depending on the location of the lesion in the elbow joint (humeral epicondyles).

Lateral epicondylitis (commonly known as tennis elbow) typically resolves without treatment in 6 to 12 months.
Lateral epicondylitis (commonly known as tennis elbow) typically resolves without treatment in 6 to 12 months.

With the acute onset of epicondylitis, pain that occurs in the region of one, less often both epicondyles of the humerus, has a constant, intense character. Pain radiates along the course of the muscles of the forearm, the function of the elbow joint is disturbed, first of all, rotational movements (rotation) of the forearm suffer, then extension in the elbow joint. Patients with epicondylitis experience pain when squeezing the hand and cannot keep the arm in an extended position, are not able to hold the load on the outstretched arm, weakness appears, and the ability to work is lost.

In subacute course of epicondylitis, pain in the elbow joint appears first with a load on the hand, and disappears at rest, and only after one and a half to two months becomes permanent. In the absence of treatment or ineffectiveness, epicondylitis can turn into a chronic form, when the pains are dull, aching in nature, appear with a load on the arm, and can intensify at night and with changes in atmospheric pressure.

 

Epicondylitis treatment

Treatment of epicondylitis of the humerus is complex and depends on the stage of the disease and the severity of clinical manifestations.

In the acute stage of epicondylitis, when the aseptic inflammatory process prevails, immobilization of the diseased limb is prescribed. At the same time, novocaine or glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory drugs are injected into the pain area.

In the treatment of epicondylitis, the elimination of swelling, inflammation, pain, restoration of range of motion in the elbow joint and its muscles is accelerated by the use of physiotherapy.

In the subacute stage of epicondylitis, the ongoing injections of glucocorticoids can be replaced by phonophoresis with hydrocortisone. A good effect is given by laser therapy, shock wave therapy, UHF and acupuncture.