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| ELBOW PROBLEMS |
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| Lateral Epicondylitis or "Tennis Elbow" |
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| What is it? |
| Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as "tennis
elbow," is an inflammation of the tendon fibers that
attach the forearm extensor muscles to the outside
of the elbow. These muscles lift the wrist and hand.
Pain may be felt where these fibers attach to the
bone on the outside of the elbow or along the
muscles in the forearm. Pain is usually more
noticeable during or after stressful use of the arm. In
severe cases, lifting and grasping even light things
may be painful. Because people who play tennis or
other racquet sports sometimes develop this
problem from improper playing technique, it has
become known as "tennis elbow." Medial
epicondylitis or "golfers elbow" is a similar condition
that occurs on the inside of the elbow. |
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| What causes it? |
| Routine use of the arm or an injury to this area may
stress or damage the muscle attachment and cause
tennis elbow symptoms. Generally, people who
develop this problem may be involved in activities
with motion of the wrist and arm or lifting with the
palm side of the hand facing down. The condition is
quite common in our late 30s and early 40s. |
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| Signs and symptoms |
| The area of most pain is usually found near the bone
on the outer side of the elbow known as the lateral
epicondyle. This area is usually tender when
touched and may be uncomfortable when gripping.
In severe cases, almost any elbow movement can
be uncomfortable. |
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| Treatment |
| Treatment may include stopping or limiting activities
that cause the pain, such as heavy lifting with the
palm facing down. Sometimes a band wrapped
around the forearm near the elbow is used to
protect the injured muscles as they are healing. In
some cases, the wearing of a wrist splint may be
recommended for the same purpose. Anti-
inflammatory medication, can be taken by mouth.
In severe or long-lasting episodes, an injection of
medication into the area may relieve the discomfort.
Your hand surgeon may recommend exercises that
stretch and strengthen the muscles to help prevent
the condition from returning. Some patients respond
to additional treatment through therapy. As the
condition improves, there is usually a slow return to
normal activities. Recurrence of this condition is
common. |
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| If nonsurgical forms of treatment do not eliminate the
pain of this condition, surgery may be
recommended. Your hand surgeon can advise you
on the surgical treatments for lateral epicondylitis
and the possible outcomes. Lateral epicondylitis is
often a nagging or chronic condition sometimes
requiring many months for healing to occur. |
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| Tennis elbow is localized to the area where the
extensor muscle is attached to the lateral
epicondyle. |
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| © Copyright 2003 American Society for Surgery of
the Hand. |
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