LATERAL AND
MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS
Get Back into the Swing of Things! You Have A
Choice!
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INTRODUCTION
Often referred to as tennis elbow, epicondylitis is a condition
that occurs as a result of repetitive and over use of muscles and
tendons. Not just limited to people in the sporting arena, lateral
and medial epicondylitis is a condition that is linked to various
professions and affects people in their work
environment.
WHAT IS LATERAL AND MEDIAL
EPICONDYLITIS?
Lateral epicondylitis is a condition characterized by pain and
weakness along the muscles and tendons on the outside of the elbow
right beside the bony protrusion (lateral epicondyle).
Medial epicondylitis is less common and
characteristically occurs with wrist flexor activity and pronation-
the rotation of the hand or forearm so that the surface of the palm
is facing downward or toward the back.
CAUSES
This injury is seen in many sports and in professional environments
where there is repetitive stress, over use and strain on these
muscles and tendons. The narrowing of the muscle bellies of the
forearm as they merge into the tendons creates highly focused
stress where they insert into the bone of the elbow.
In the case of lateral epicondylitis, which is
the most common upper extremity tennis injury, is often a result of
(1) a one handed backhand with poor technique (2) a late forehand
swing preparation with resulting wrist snap to bring the racquet
head perpendicular to the ball, or (3) while serving, the ball is
hit with full power and speed with wrist pronation and wrist snap
which increases the stress on the already taught extensor
tendons.
Medial epicondylitis is often referred to
‘golfer's elbow and is a result of the wrist flexors as in a golf
swing or baseball pitch which can cause an overuse injury to the
inside of the elbow. Unlike lateral epicondylitis, which most often
happens as the result of repetitive mechanical and postural flaws,
medial epicondylitis is usually a true overuse syndrome or as the
result of one forceful contraction such as a baseball pitch which
set off the symptoms.
TRADITONAL TREATMENTS
Epicondylitis, both medial and lateral, is a common and often
lingering pathologic condition. It critical, therefore, to address
the symptoms of pain and swelling before beginning a progressive
strengthening program. Anti-inflammatories and icing the injured
area will control and reduce the immediate symptoms. Sometimes a
wrist splint and modification of aggravating factors are all
effective initial treatment plans. In some instances surgery is
considered.
WHY TRY PHYSICAL THERAPY FIRST
This condition is generally the result of repetitive
stress on the muscles and tendons resulting in mild to severe pain
and discomfort and often immobility. The most advantageous
treatment to improve this condition is physical therapy to
strengthen and repair the tendons and muscles that are affected.
Physical Therapy addresses this condition with the focus on
improving muscles strength and eliminating pain using various
modalities without the added side effects of medications.
This chronic type of pain/condition responds excellently to the
exercises and treatments that are executed by your Physical
Therapist.
PATIENT
COMMENTS
When I came to Physiocare my goals were to
get a good nights sleep and go back to playing tennis. These goals
were achieved and I was very pleased with the treatment I received
form my therapist.
James W.
DOCTOR'S
COMMENTS
"Physiocare does excellent hands on physical
therapy and I recommend them without reservation."
Irvine Mason, M.D., Diplomat - American Foard of Psychiatry & Neurology
"Physiocare rehabilitation has made a big
difference in the lives of my patients. Their staff is professional
, warm and always helpful in caring for their patients. I have
never had a patient who was not completely satisfied with the
rehabilitation at Physiocare."
Michael D. Milstein, D.O. F.A.A.F.P., Internist
"My patients find that Physiocare provides
prompt and successful relief to their pains and stiffness. I send
most of my patients to Physiocare. I have found Physiocare to be
the best physical therapy center in town."
Daniel I. Nuchovich, M.D.
" Since referring my patients to Physiocare I
have found that for the first time my patients actually want to
return to their clinic for therapy treatment. Never before have I
seen so many of my patients complimenting a rehabilitation clinic.
The Physiocare team truly performs the best therapy and they
continually exceed my expectations."
Irma V. Lopez, M.D., Internist
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References: Sources come from one or more
of the following articles and sites:
Medicinenet.com / mediregister.com /mediline.net /mediinfo.co.uk /
mhni.com /Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
/AmericanAcademyof Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/Medline
plus.org
