Epicondylitis: symptoms and treatment

This injury is caused by the repetitive use of the joint and is related to the practice of certain activities and sports. The causes of epicondylitis are:

• Overuse of the forearm , which inflames the muscle fibers.
• Misuse of the muscle , since it is designed to function within specific ranges of motion and when the forced position can cause tears or tears.

Professions or activities that can be a risk factor for suffering from this ailment are the following:

• Painters
• Construction workers
• Tennis players
• Mechanics
• Butchers
• tattoo artists
• Carpenters
• Plumbers.

The most characteristic symptom of epicondylitis is pain on the outside of the elbow , however other signs may appear that are also related to pain:

• Functional impotence when extending the wrist.
• Pain that goes up the arm and forearm.
• Weak grip.
• Pain when making movements with simple actions such as having a cup of coffee.
• Pain on palpation of the elbow.

Here are some measures that will help you prevent tennis elbow :

• If you have a profession where you use this joint a lot, try to rest after a long time doing an activity.
• Whatever sport you play, do it properly.
• Do warm-up exercises .
• Put a cold compress on your elbow, after doing some exercise.

The goal of treatment for epicondylitis will be to relieve pain and eliminate inflammation, however rest for 2 or 3 weeks of the movements that cause pain will also be part of the recovery plan. You will need to ice the affected area two or three times a day, and your doctor will prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , either orally or in the form of creams and gels.

Physiotherapy will be another treatment option, in this case you will learn to make better use of the joint and strengthen the muscles of the forearm. Infiltrations of cortisone or an anesthetic may improve functional capacity and relieve elbow pain. On the other hand, using a tennis elbow brace will reduce the pressure on the muscles.

If your condition does not improve after a year of treatment, they may suggest surgery, your doctor will indicate which is the best option for you. The complications that can arise from this ailment is that there is a rupture of the tendons or that the injury is recurrent.

It is necessary to emphasize that these exercises should be done when the pain has passed, this will not only help you treat tennis elbow, but also prevent possible injuries. Here are some exercises for epicondylitis :

• Flexion of wrists : extend your arms, place one of the palms up and push with the other until the maximum flexion, hold the position for 30 seconds and do a series of three repetitions.

• Wrist extension : following the same position as the previous exercise, but with the palms facing down, apply pressure with the other hand on the fingers, bringing them back. Hold the exercise for 30 seconds and do a set of three reps.

• Single Handle : Reach out and clench your fist and hold it for 5-7 seconds, then relax your hand for the same amount of time. Do a set of ten repetitions.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Epicondylitis: symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Bones, Joints and Muscles .