Elbow Tendinitis – Causes, Symptoms, Treatments , and Prevention

What is Elbow Tendinitis?

Elbow Tendinitis is the most common cause of elbow pain. Tendinitis is the condition in which there is injury and swelling of the tendon, causing pain on either side of the bony prominence in the elbow. Our forearm has two groups of muscles that perform a distinct function of flexion and extension. The common flexor group of muscles inserts on the inner bony portion elbow, and the other is the extensor group of muscles that insert on the outer aspect of the elbow. Frequently repeated activities of flexion, extension and rotation can cause micro-tears in the muscle-tendon insertion site on the bony attachment. This condition is called Epicondylitis. When it is on the lateral side, it is called the Tennis elbow and if on the medial or inner side, it is called the golfer’s elbow. 

Causes of Elbow Tendinitis

It commonly affects the dominant arm of the middle age group of the 30-50 years old population. More than fifty percent of sports person who plays tennis, golf and badminton have this problem. It is also important to note that daily household activities like squeezing clothes, sweeping floors, stirring during cooking and lifting water can trigger this condition if done repeatedly. Labourers who involve in working with heavy tools, gripping, twisting and screwing activities are at risk. 

Symptoms of Elbow Tendinitis

Dull aching pain is commonly present. It is aggravated by gripping and twisting. Sometimes it can even be a radiating type of pain at the wrist during extension. If left untreated for a long time, it can also cause weakness in muscle-grip strength. 

Treatment for Elbow Tendinitis

Ice therapy

It remains the mainstay treatment. The application of ice packs after an aggravating activity can decrease the pain and swell immediately. Daily application of 5-10 mins, three times a day, will cure the disease. 

Drugs

Oral NSAIDS tablets can further relieve pain and swelling and give temporary relief.

Braces

Tennis elbow brace application will avoid direct pressure over the elbow and help in early rehabilitation. 

Physiotherapy

Alternatively, a special type of physiotherapy called Ultrasonic therapy and massage can be given. 

Direct injections

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) is evolving treatment option for faster healing.

When to see a doctor?

If there is no relief with medication and ice application, consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and know the available treatment options. However, 95 percent of Epicondylitis can be managed with non-operative treatment.

Risk factors of Elbow Tendinitis

Common specific factors which can predispose are:

• Repeated use without relaxation period
• Overload of joint
• Muscle imbalance
• Improper training

Risk factors for Sports tennis players:

• Poor swing techniques
• Large racket
• Improper grip size
• Variable string tension

Prevention of Elbow Tendinitis

Any activity, when overdone and repeated over a period of time, can wear out the tendons. It is always important not to push through the pain. It may lead to a complete tear of the tendons. Proper training, warm-up and stretching exercise are required for sports persons. 

Conclusion 

‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’ – Similarly, when someone tries to do too many things at the same time, causing too much stress to an already injured area, it decreases the chance of recovery. No matter how big your passion is, one should always know when to back out and give importance to recovery. 

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