Epicondylitis manifests with pain in the elbow area, which increases with lifting.
What is epicondylitis?
Epicondylitis, as stated by experts in traumatology, is an inflammation of the area where the tendons of a group of forearm muscles attach to the bone at the elbow. This group of muscles has the function of performing the extension (movement opposite to the flexion) of the wrist and the elbow.
When this muscle group performs the same function repeatedly (certain jobs and sports) the area of attachment to the bone becomes inflamed and painful.
Epicondylitis, the symptoms
The pain increases when trying to lift a weight while keeping the elbow and wrist extended, for example, when picking up a jug. On the contrary, when flexing the wrist or elbow, the muscle does not act and the pain disappears.
Treatment of epicondylitis
Treatment is initiated with local application of cold and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. If the patient does not improve, physiotherapy and local infiltration of corticosteroids or platelet-rich plasma are used.
In the absence of improvement, surgical treatment is advised, which consists of separation of the tendon from the bone. After surgery the patient should start gentle physiotherapy and restrict strenuous physical activity until symptoms disappear.