Elbow Tendinitis

Elbow tendinitis, commonly referred to as “tennis elbow” or “golfer’s elbow,” is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendons in the elbow. The specific types of elbow tendinitis are:

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

– Location: Affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow.
– Cause: Usually caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm, especially with gripping or lifting activities, such as tennis (hence the name), but can be due to any repetitive activity that strains these tendons.

– Symptoms: Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, which may extend into the forearm and wrist. The pain is often aggravated by activities like gripping, lifting, or twisting the forearm.

Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

– Location: Affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow.
– Cause: Caused by repetitive motions that involve flexing the wrist and fingers, such as gripping a golf club, hence the name, but also from other activities like throwing or weightlifting.

– Symptoms: Pain and tenderness on the inner part of the elbow, which may radiate down the inner side of the forearm. The pain can worsen with wrist flexion or activities that involve gripping.

Treatment for Elbow Tendinitis

1. Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain to allow the tendons to heal.
2. Ice: Applying ice packs to the elbow can help reduce inflammation and pain.
3. Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen can reduce pain and swelling.
4. Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve tendon flexibility and muscle strength to prevent future occurrences.

5. Bracing: A counterforce brace or strap may help reduce strain on the tendons.
6. Injections: Corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce severe inflammation. In some cases, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections might be considered.
7. Surgery: In severe or chronic cases, where conservative treatments have failed, surgery may be an option to remove damaged tissue and promote healing.

Prevention

– Proper Technique: Ensure that sports or work techniques are correct to avoid undue stress on the elbow tendons.
– Strengthening Exercises: Regular exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles can help protect the tendons.

– Warm-Up: Proper warm-up before engaging in activities that put strain on the elbow can help prevent injury.
– Ergonomics: Adjust workstations and activities to reduce repetitive strain.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of elbow tendinitis, it’s essential to seek advice from a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

ΕΠΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΗΣΤΕ ΜΕ ΤΟ ΓΙΑΤΡΟ

ΚΛΕΙΣΕ ΤΟ ΡΑΝΤΕΒΟΥ ΣΟΥ