Lateral epicondylitis or «tennis elbow»
WHAT IS IT?
The lateral epicondyle is a small bony eminence located on the external surface of the humerus bone, at the level of the elbow joint. It is the site of insertion of the tendons of the wrist extensors muscles (see image on the right).
In the case of a lateral epicondylitis, studies show that there is no presence of inflammation involved in this pathophysiology. Instead, the condition seems to be caused by degenerative changes in the tendon that attaches the wrist extensor muscles to the elbow.
Indeed, when repetitive movements are produced with the wrist or the wrist extensors contract in an inadequate manner, it produces a series of microscopic lesions in the tendon of these muscles.
SYMPTOMS OF A LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS OF THE ELBOW INCLUDE:
- pain at the outer aspect of the elbow which may radiate to the forearm and wrist
- pain during extension or rotation of the wrist
- weakness of the muscles of the forearm
- difficulty grasping or holding objects in the hand
RISK FACTORS:
- Practice of sports which repeatedly elicit the forearm muscles (such as racket sports), especially if a proper warm-up is not performed previously
- A musculature not enough developed for the demanded effort (muscle weakness)
- Practice of an activity too intensely or frequently
- Having a profession that requires an overuse of the wrist extensor muscles (such as painters, window washers, carpenters or cooks)
WHAT DO PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENTS CONSIST OF?
Firstly, physiotherapy treatments will aim to reduce the pain present from a lateral epicondylitis with the use of electrotherapy (such as ultrasound or TENS), ice and proper education regarding the activities that may worsen your condition and thus that should be avoided for the time being. Then, your therapist will use a wide array of manual therapy and muscle relaxation techniques, and will prescribe effective stretching and muscle strengthening exercises to target the cause of the problem.
Therefore, consult a Forcephysio physiotherapist as soon as possible for a quick recovery!
