In this week’s “Did you know” we are discussing Epicondylitis.

If you have participated in any sports involving swinging a club or throwing, or if you have a job that has repetitive movements with your arm, it is possible that you have at one time suffered from either medial (Golfer’s elbow), or lateral (Tennis elbow) epicondylitis.

What is it:

As stated above, there are two types of epicondylitis.  Essentially they are the same condition, however the location and motions that cause the injury are different.

Medial epicondylitis/golfer’s elbow is characterized by pain on the inside (medial side) of the elbow that can go all the way down to the wrist.  The pain is caused by irritation or injury to the tendons that bend the wrist towards the palm. This can be caused by weakness in the shoulder and wrist muscles as well as many sporting motions that involve throwing, or swinging, and repetitive activities at work.

Lateral epicondylitis/tennis elbow is characterized by pain on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow.  The irritation is to the tendons that bend the wrist away from the palm.  Lateral epicondylitis can also be due to weakness in the wrist muscles and commonly occurs in racquet sports, but can also occur with repetitive activities as well.

Symptoms:

Most commonly there is pain around the elbow, and you may also experience pain, burning or an ache along your forearm towards your wrist.  Over time, if you continue to overuse your arm, the pain generally gets worse, and you may get pain even at rest.  You may also have pain or difficulty/weakness when you try to lift and grip objects.

How we treat it:

Chiropractic treatment for epicondylitis can consist of soft tissue work and stretching, mobilizations and adjustments of the wrist and elbow, exercises for strengthening, and we will probably get you to take a break from whatever repetitive movement or activity is the aggravating factor. Other modalities such as ultrasound, acupuncture, taping or bracing are also good options and can be used on a case by case circumstance depending on what you and your practitioner feel is the best treatment options for you. 

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  Stay tuned for next week and the last instalment of “Did you know we treat…”