Elbow joint epicondylitis

Elbow joint epicondylitis: symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Elbow joint epicondylitis: symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Definition and causes of the occurrence of elbow joint epicondylitis

Elbow joint epicondylitis, or “tennis elbow,” is an inflammatory condition of the tendons attaching to the outer part of the elbow joint. It is characterized by pain, stiffness, and limited movement. The causes of epicondylitis include mechanical overexertion and tendon damage due to repetitive hand movements, insufficient warming up before physical activity, and improper technique in performing movements.

Etiology of Elbow Joint Epicondylitis

Elbow epicondylitis, also known as “tennis elbow,” usually occurs as a result of microtrauma and overload of the muscle on the outer part of the forearm, responsible for the flexion and extension of the wrist and fingers. The cause of the disease’s development is the repetitive action or overload of this muscle, leading to tendon inflammation and pressure on the surrounding tissues, causing pain and discomfort in the elbow area.

  • Repetitive movements: Monotonous and uniform arm movements, especially with improper technique, can lead to muscle overload in the elbow.
  • Improper training: Inadequate warming up before physical activity or incorrect exercise technique can contribute to the development of elbow epicondylitis.
  • Overload and injury: Excessive load on the elbow joint or injuries leading to tissue damage can be the main causes of epicondylitis.
  • Weak muscles and insufficient stretching: Inadequate development of the forearm muscles or limited joint mobility can also contribute to the development of the condition.
  • Prolonged stress: Psycho-emotional tension, if maintained for a prolonged period, can affect the muscles and tendons in the elbow area, causing irritation and inflammation.

The clinical picture of elbow joint epicondylitis

The clinical picture of elbow epicondylitis often includes pain sensations in the area of the lateral elbow epicondyle, which may intensify when flexing or extending the elbow and during gripping. The pain can be acute or chronic, with a tendency to worsen with certain movements or prolonged stress on the forearm. Other symptoms include limited movement in the elbow, a feeling of weakness in the arm, or reduced grip strength, sometimes accompanied by swelling or redness in the area of the elbow.

  • Pain: usually arises in the area of the outer elbow epicondyle and may worsen during flexion or extension of the elbow joint.
  • Restriction of movement: patients may experience difficulties when performing daily activities, such as lifting objects or gripping.
  • Feeling of weakness: it is possible to experience a sensation of weakness in the arm or a decrease in grip strength.
  • Worsening symptoms with load: pain may intensify with increased physical activity or prolonged strain on the arm.
  • Possible swelling or redness: sometimes swelling or redness may be observed in the elbow area, associated with an inflammatory reaction.

Expert opinion on the treatment of elbow joint epicondylitis

Experts in the field of medicine recommend a comprehensive approach to the treatment of elbow epicondylitis, which includes methods of conservative therapy, physiotherapy procedures, rehabilitation, and in some cases, surgical intervention. Conservative methods, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, stretching of muscles and the elbow joint, as well as wearing an elbow brace, are effective in reducing pain and inflammation, promote rapid recovery, and prevent relapses of the disease.

Methods for diagnosing elbow joint epicondylitis

The diagnosis of elbow epicondylitis usually involves a physical examination of the patient to identify pain points in the elbow area upon pressure, as well as an assessment of the movements of the elbow and forearm. Additional diagnostic methods may include X-rays to rule out other bone pathologies, ultrasound to visualize soft tissues and joint structures, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for a more detailed study of the condition of the tissues around the elbow and joint.

  • Physical examination: Involves palpation of the area of the elbow epicondyle to identify tenderness and checking the area for swelling.
  • X-ray: Allows for the assessment of the condition of the elbow bones and identification of other pathologies that may be causing pain in the elbow area.
  • Ultrasound examination: Used for visualizing soft tissues, joint structures, and assessing the condition of the tendons in the elbow area.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Provides a more detailed image of tissues in the elbow and joint for accurate diagnosis and assessment of tissue condition.
  • Electromyography: A method for studying the electrical activity of muscles, which can be used to assess muscle function and conduct differential diagnosis in cases of elbow pain.

Therapy for Elbow Joint Epicondylitis

Treatment of elbow joint epicondylitis may include conservative methods such as the use of therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy, wearing special supports on the elbows and joints, as well as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and pain. In some cases, a corticosteroid injection may be needed to relieve pain symptoms. In more complicated cases, when conservative methods do not lead to an improvement in condition, surgical intervention may be required, such as tendon repair or arthroscopy to remove the damaged tendon.

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – used to reduce inflammation and pain in the elbow area.
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation – therapeutic exercises and physical procedures help restore muscle and tendon function in the elbow area.
  • Use of therapeutic supports – special supports on the elbows can help reduce the load on the joint and alleviate pain.
  • Corticosteroid injections – administered for local reduction of inflammation and relief of pain in the elbow area.
  • Surgical intervention – in cases where conservative treatment yields no results, surgery may be required to remove damaged tissues and repair tendons in the elbow area.

Measures to prevent elbow joint epicondylitis

To prevent elbow epicondylitis, it is recommended to adhere to the correct technique for performing everyday movements, avoid overloading the forearm and elbow joint during daily activities or work. It is important to relieve the muscles of the forearm and regularly perform exercises to strengthen them, as well as to monitor body posture during physical exercises and work tasks to prevent excessive stress on the elbow joint and tendons.

  • Rational load: Avoid overly intense training or tasks that can overload the external elbow epicondyle.
  • Muscle strengthening: Include exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles in your program to maintain their strength and flexibility.
  • Proper technique: Pay attention to ergonomics and the correct technique for performing actions to avoid improper loading on the elbow joint.
  • Regular breaks and warm-ups: When performing monotonous tasks, take breaks to rest and stretch to prevent overloads and injuries.
  • Equipment adjustment: When working at a computer or using other tools, ensure that the equipment and furniture are properly adjusted according to your ergonomics.

Amazing aspects of elbow joint epicondylitis

Elbow epicondylitis, while commonly seen in athletes such as tennis players and golfers, can also occur in individuals not involved in professional sports. This pathology may result from microtraumas and overload of the forearm muscles during everyday tasks and activities, emphasizing the importance of proper movement techniques and muscle care in the prevention of this condition. Research also indicates that the risk of developing elbow epicondylitis may increase with age and in the presence of other joint diseases, highlighting the significance of regular monitoring of joint health and preventive measures to maintain elbow joint health.

FAQ