Lateral epicondylitis – tips on how to treat it

Lateral epicondylitis is a common inflammation of the tendons of the elbow flexor muscles, also known as the tennis elbow. Tendons connect muscles with bones and are often susceptible to exertion. Excessive load (for example, tennis or squash training) can be the cause of inflammation of the lateral tendons of the elbow. Most often, extensor carpi radialis brevis is involved. Lateral epicondylitis is a fairly common problem in people aged 30-50 years.

What causes lateral epicondylitis?

Although often referred to as the tennis elbow – tennis is not the only activity that causes inflammation of the elbow tendons. In fact, any activity that puts an excessive strain on the forearm’s flexor muscles can produce symptoms of lateral epicondylitis. For example, physical work with prolonged, monotonous movements.

What are the symptoms of lateral epicondylitis?

As we have already mentioned, lateral epicondylitis denotes inflammation of the tendons of the elbow flexor muscles. Therefore, pain will most often be felt in the outer flank of the elbow. The pain can be felt with movements, various daily chores, and can also be felt to the touch. Symptoms of lateral epicondylitis most often appear over time, putting a load on the elbow tendons for a long time. With continued activities that cause symptoms, the problem can only remain more serious. The pain can gradually pass from the elbow to the forearm and wrist. The pain may appear even with wrist/finger movements, such as writing with a pen or holding a mug of tea.

How to treat lateral epicondylitis?

Although according to the description of the symptoms, the problem may resemble lateral epicondylitis. It is always important to set the correct diagnosis. Therefore, before starting a course of treatment, it is important to turn to doctors.

Once the diagnosis is made and it really shows up as lateral epicondylitis, it is important to start a course of treatment. We will outline a couple of tips:

1. Modification of movements – it is important to understand what movements and activities have caused this problem. It is necessary to avoid these movements for the entire duration of the course of treatment. If the symptoms of lateral epicondylitis are associated with athletic activities, this may mean that a pause will be required. The more this problem is let in, the more it will affect the daily movements of the hand. And with time, even at the slightest movements of the hand, pain may be felt. Therefore, it is important to modify daily activities in a timely manner and avoid overloading the elbow flexor muscles.
2. Cold – regularly put ice or cold gel packs on the sore spot. The cold helps relieve inflammation and pain, so it is recommended to use it regularly. Depending on the degree of pain, a cold pack can be kept on the sore spot 2-4 times a day, each time for about 15-20 minutes.
3. Therapeutic exercises – can help relieve tension and tone in inflamed tendons, and can also help strengthen weak muscles and tendons in the long run. Ask your physiotherapist about the exercise program for lateral epicondylitis.
4. Lateral epicondylitis orthosis – is used to relieve the load on the main site of tendon inflammation. Orthosis of epicondylitis can be an excellent method of fighting a problem – it can be worn throughout the day at daily activities. As a rule, the orthosis of epicondylitis should be held about 10 cm below the elbow joint with an adequate level of pressure. Thanks to the support of the orthosis, patients often feel instant relief when performing various hand movements.
5. Medication therapy – the cause of the problem of lateral epicondylitis is inflammation of the tendons. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe you anti-inflammatory drugs. If this problem persists, injections or physical procedures may also be prescribed. Medication therapy is usually prescribed in the event that conservative methods do not help. However, always the course of treatment should be started by conservative methods.

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