Musculoskeletal system >>>> How to treat epicondylitis of the elbow joint?

How to treat epicondylitis of the elbow joint?

Epicondylitis is a degenerative - inflammatory process that develops at the attachment of the tendon of the muscles of the inner or outer forearm to the humerus (the area of attachment of the tendon called the epicondyle). When the external epicondyle is affected - the extensor of the forearm, which is also responsible for turning the forearm outward, then they speak of external or lateral epicondylitis. When the flexor tendons of the hand are affected, they speak of internal epicondylitis or medial.

The cause of ulnar epicondylitis is considered to be overload of the forearm, accompanied by stereotypical movements with the extension of the forearm and its turns outward. Usually, this kind of injury is associated with the specifics of the work, for example, among carpenters, painters, bricklayers, masseurs, seamstresses, milkmaids or athletes playing tennis or golf.

In addition to chronic stress, trauma can be the cause of epicondylitis, and a weak ligamentous apparatus is a predisposing factor for the occurrence of epicondylitis.

The signs of epicondylitis are similar to those of a pinched nerve:

Pain syndrome has a clear localization on the outer side of the elbow joint (with lateral epicondylitis) or along the inner side of the elbow joint (with medial epicondylitis) at the time of extension and / or turning of the hand and forearm outward,
When pressing on the epicondyle, pain is felt,
The strength of the hand in the hand decreases,
When placing the hand behind the lower back, pain occurs with increasing intensity.

How is elbow epicondylitis treated?

Treatment of epicondylitis of the elbow joint is conservative:

Elimination of stress on the elbow joint: rest or immobilization of the elbow joint by applying a plastic splint, supporting a kerchief,
Relief of pain syndrome by imposing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: ointments or gels (Nise, Nurofen),
If it is impossible to stop the pain by means of local anti-inflammatory action, blockade is used - injections into the area of inflammation: anesthetic plus glucocorticosteroids (hydrocortisone, betamethasone, methylprednisolone).
If the pain symptom persists for several months, surgery is recommended to excision the affected areas of the tendon.
With epicondylitis, physiotherapy is indicated: paraffin baths, phonophoresis, Bernard currents, electrophoresis, UHF, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (high-power ultrasound), but the procedures are carried out when the acute stage of the disease has passed.

After the end of the treatment of epicondylitis and in order to prevent it, therapeutic gymnastics is indicated: training of the flexors - extensors of the wrist. You need to know that chronically running epicondylitis is a reason to change your specialty or refuse to play sports, with the participation of a hand affected by epicondylitis, since scars form in the tendon area over time, which change the structure of the tendon tissue and reduce its endurance.