Elbow

Epicondylitis

Epicondylitis is a common elbow condition. One will hear terms such as: Tennis elbow and Golfer's Elbow. It is often caused by repetitively stressing the origin of the muscles that move and turn the hand up or down. These originate on the inner or outer aspects of the elbow, and can radiate into the forearm and hand. When acute, simple tasks such as lifting a tea cup or writing become very painful. The condition can be very chronic and recurrent. Histologically, there is evidence of microtearing of the tendon. This can scar down and become asymptomatic over time.
The most important aspect of treatment is identifying the activity causing the pain. Often, a wrist splint and/or an elbow band may be helpful in preventing the affected muscles from working too hard. Your doctor may suggest medication. The physical therapist can identify the specific exercises needed to stretch and strengthen the muscles, as well as provide modalities and soft tissue work. When pain persists despite conservative care, a surgeon may be consulted. Surgery is not commony done, but might help in severe cases.
References:
* Nirschl RP, Pettrone FA: Tennis elbow: JBJSAm 1979 Sep; 61(6A): 832-9
* Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2006 Jul;14(7):659-63. Epub 2006 Mar 23

Golfer's Elbow / Medial Epicondylitis

Epicondylitis is a common elbow condition. It is often caused by repetitively stressing the origin of the muscles that pull the hand/wrist inward. These originate on the inner aspect of the elbow, and can radiate into the forearm and hand. When acute, simple tasks such as squeezing or writing become very painful. The condition can be very chronic and recurrent. Histologically, there is evidence of microtearing of the tendon. This can scar down and become asymptomatic over time.
The most important aspect of treatment is identifying the activity causing the pain. Often, a wrist splint and/or an elbow band may be helpful in preventing the affected muscles from working too hard. Your doctor may suggest medication. The physical therapist can identify the specific exercises needed to stretch and strengthen the muscles, as well as provide modalities and soft tissue work. When pain persists despite conservative care, a surgeon may be consulted. Surgery is not commony done, but might help in severe cases.
References:
* Nirschl RP, Pettrone FA: Tennis elbow: JBJSAm 1979 Sep; 61(6A): 832-9
* Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2006 Jul;14(7):659-63. Epub 2006 Mar 23

Tennis Elbow / Lateral Epicondylitis

Epicondylitis is a common elbow condition. Lateral epicondylitis is caused by repetitively stressing the origin of the muscles that pull the hand/wrist upward. These originate on the outer aspects of the elbow. The pain can radiate into the forearm and hand. When acute, simple tasks such as lifting a tea cup or writing become very painful. The condition can be very chronic and recurrent. Histologically, there is evidence of microtearing of the tendon. This can scar down and become asymptomatic over time.
The most important aspect of treatment is identifying the activity causing the pain. Often, a wrist splint and/or an elbow band may be helpful in preventing the affected muscles from working too hard. Your doctor may suggest medication. The physical therapist can identify the specific exercises needed to stretch and strengthen the muscles, as well as provide modalities and soft tissue work. When pain persists despite conservative care, a surgeon may be consulted. Surgery is not commony done, but might help in severe cases.

References:
* Nirschl RP, Pettrone FA: Tennis elbow: JBJSAm 1979 Sep; 61(6A): 832-9
* Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2006 Jul;14(7):659-63. Epub 2006 Mar 23