First of all, lets take a rapid overview about elbow tendonitis
Elbow tendonitis (also called tennis elbow) is forearm’s extensor tendons’ inflammation and microtearing of fibers. Pain near the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, which may radiate into the forearm, is one of the symptoms. Provocative testing and examination are used for diagnosis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), rest, and physical therapy are the main forms of treatment.
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Symptoms and Signs of elbow tendonitis
When the wrist is extended against resistance, pain in the lateral elbow and the extensor tendons of the forearm first appear (eg, as in using a manual screwdriver or hitting a backhand shot with a racket).Â
When performing different rowing and chin-up movements for the back muscles, particularly when the hands are pronated, resistance athletes with elbow tendonitis are most likely to experience pain. From the lateral epicondyle to the middle of the forearm, pain may radiate.
Diagnosis of elbow tendonitis
Provocative testing: When the long finger is extended against resistance while the elbow is held straight, pain along the common extensor tendon is diagnostic.Â
Alternatively, the diagnosis is established if the pain persists while performing the action: The patient is seated in a chair with their forearm on the examination table, elbow bent, and hand held palm down. The examiner places a hand firmly on top of the patient’s hand, and the patient tries to raise it by extending their wrist.
Treatment of elbow tendonitis
- Rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), extensor muscle stretches
- Modification of activity
- Later, resistive exercises
There are two phases to the treatment process. Extensor muscle stretching, rest, ice, and NSAIDs are initially employed. On occasion, a corticosteroid injection is required in the painful region around the tendon. Extensor and flexor muscles in the forearm are gently resistively exercised, then eccentric and concentric resistive workouts are performed when the discomfort has subsided.
Avoid engaging in any activity that hurts while the wrist is extended or supinated. Tennis elbow (counter force) brace use is frequently suggested. Additionally, modifying the fit and style of the employed racket can aid in avoiding future harm.
Surgical procedures to treat elbow tendonitis entail removing scar and degenerative tissue from the affected extensor tendons at the elbow, even though surgery is typically not required. Surgery is often only considered after failing to treat a patient with conservative measures for at least 9 to 12 months; patients should be informed that surgery may not completely relieve their symptoms.
Article writer
This article was written by Hashem Khdour, Medical Doctor and the founder of Medicogenic medicine learning & health website
