Elbow Epicondylitis

Elbow epicondylitis is a painful condition of the elbow that occurs as a result of repetitive movements or repeated weight lifting (overuse of the arms). Some people make the same repetitive motion on a daily basis either due to work or activity, resulting in micro-injuries that slowly lead to inflammation, micro-tears and vitreous degeneration of the tendon.

It is most commonly found in people aged 30 - 50 years. It occurs in athletes and in manual workers who follow a certain pattern of movements on a daily and long-hour basis and in people who do not strain their hands (idiopathic epicondylitis).

It is divided into 2 types, depending on where it occurs. External epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is more common, mainly affecting the extensors of the fingers and wrist, while internal epicondylitis affects the flexors of the fingers and wrist (golf elbow).

• Pain in the elbow either on the inner or outer side of the elbow. Pain in the elbow that may extend to the forearm to the wrist when using the arm.

• Weakness in the wrist when the patient attempts to grasp an object.

• Mild stiffness.

• Numbness in the fingers of the hands.

The patient's medical history combined with clinical examination is usually sufficient for diagnosis. In case of doubt, the doctor may request an Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), ultrasound or X-Ray to rule out the possibility of other conditions. Less frequently, a special test for nerve conduction - electromyography - may be needed to rule out the possibility of pressure on the nerves.

Conservative treatment

• Absence from the activity.

• Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Ice therapy.

• Physiotherapy and special exercises at home.

• Special splints for epicondylitis.

• P.R.P. injection therapy and, less frequently, cortisone injections.

Surgical treatment

In cases where the symptoms do not subside after 6 months despite conservative treatment and the patient is significantly limited in his/her daily life, surgery is the solution. In rare cases, a short, minimally invasive procedure is needed to repair the injured tendon.