Definition:
Lateral epicondylitis is commonly called tennis elbow where the outer part of the elbow becomes painful and tender.
Based from the available scientific evidence, tennis elbow is an idiopathic, self-limiting, enthesopathy, of middle
age. A lot of other hand and arm conditions, speculative etiologies such as overuse, tennis, etc. has limited
scientific support and likely overstated.
Diagnosis:
To diagnose this disease there are several test that has to be made: X-ray, Magnetic resonance imaging for patients
who has severe chronic pain, and biomechanics and motion analysis.
Treatment:
Non-specific palliative treatments include: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): ibuprofen, naproxen
or aspirin. A counter-force brace or "tennis elbow strap", Heat or ice. While specific treatments with limited
scientific support include: Local injection of cortisone and a numbing medicine, Using a splint to keep the
forearm and elbow still for 2 to 3 weeks, Heat therapy, Physical therapy.
Symptoms and Signs:
Pain on the outer part of elbow (lateral epicondyle), Point tenderness over the lateral epicondyle a prominent
portion of the bone on the outside of the elbow, Gripping and movements of the wrist hurt, particularly wrist
extension and lifting movements, Activities that use the muscles that extend the wrist are characteristically
painful. Another is morning stiffness is common.
Causes:
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury. It is caused by repeated contraction of the forearm muscles that you use to
straighten and raise your hand and wrist. The repeated motions and stress to the tissue can result in inflammation
or a series of tiny tears in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bone at the outside of your elbow.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
