Tuesday 30 August 2011
This month the focus is lateral Epicondylitis of the elbow or its more well known name; Tennis elbow. I am seeing quite an increased number of cases of this injury recently. Over the next two months I will also look at Golfers elbow and elbow bursitis. It is important to remember that these injuries tend not to be just sports related but can be traced back to occupational related factors.
What is Tennis Elbow?Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is the onset of pain on the lateral (outside) of the elbow. The pain has a gradual onset with tenderness appearing around or below the bony prominence. The injury tends to affect the suffers ability to grip, lift or carry items with the affected arm.
How does the injury occur?
The injury is caused by tiny micro tears in the tendon and fascia, which after the initial healing will tear again leading to hemorrhaging leading to the formation of granulation tissue, as well as calcium deposits around the tissue. Collagen and proteins leak from the site of injury causing inflammation. This leads to increased pressure around the joint that can cut blood supply and also impinge on the radial nerve.
What are the symptoms?
The pain is recurring around the outside of the upper forearm. This is just below the joint line of the elbow.
The pain can be aggravated by lifting, bending or grasping even lightweights, such as a coffee mug. There can also be pain when extending the forearm; this is due to the inflammation of the muscles and tendons.
How to treat this injury
The first thing to do is stop any activity that aggravates the arm. This is ok for sports related factors, but not so easy for people who are getting aggravation from working. The use of an elbow support can help to reduce the aggravating factors.
Seeking the correct treatment is the second, but equally important part of the healing process. Your Sports Therapist or physiotherapist will use a range of treatment techniques such as ice massage, standard soft tissue massage, ultrasound, kinesio taping, advise on anti inflammatory use as well as stretching and strengthening of the muscle groups. After the initial inflammation and pain subside it is key to full recovery that strengthening work is facilitated as this will help to reduce the risk of future onset of the injury.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
