What is epicondylitis or “tennis elbow”?
It is an inflammation of the extensor tendons that attach to the epicondyle and are responsible for controlling wrist dorsiflexion and grip movements.
This causes pain on the outer aspect of the elbow, at the level of the lateral epicondyle, when touching, grasping objects, lifting weights, etc. The pain may extend down the forearm to the hand.
What are its main causes?
It is usually related to repetitive movements both in sports (such as tennis) and at work: continuous stress on the insertion of the extensors that can occur in repeated gripping and holding activities such as painting, carpentry, using an inadequate racket, etc.
A direct trauma to the area or a sudden extreme activity involving the use of these tendons can also be the cause of this pathology.
What is the treatment?
Always start with conservative measures (which are usually effective in a high percentage of cases).
- Cryotherapy: fundamentally at the beginning of the symptoms.
- Anti-inflammatory medication.
- Limiting the activity that caused the problem and modifying those that aggravate the pain.
- Use of epicondylitis bands that help reduce tension in the affected tendons.
- Physiotherapy (laser, ultrasound, shock waves, stretching and strengthening exercises once the pain has subsided…).
- Corticosteroid injections.
- Autologous growth factor infiltrations.
- EPI (percutaneous intratissue electrolysis).
- Use of tendon micronutrients that help tendon recovery (type I collagen, mucopolysaccharides, vitamin C…).
- Finally, if conservative treatment is not effective, after about 6 months, surgery would be indicated.
Can it be prevented?
It can be prevented by postural care when doing sports or a work activity: use of appropriate techniques to perform the different movements, use a racket of appropriate size and weight in the case of racket sports, etc.
It is also important:
- Not to overload the joint, keeping it at rest after prolonged use.
- Preventive stretching and massage before training.
- Use of elbow pads.
For more information contact a specialist.