Elbow Pain
The most common elbow presentations to the BOC are due to overuse or termed, ‘repetitive strain.’ Two common elbow complaints are ‘tennis elbow’ (lateral epicondylitis) and ‘golfers elbow’ (medial epicondylitis).
Tennis elbow presents as pain on the outside of the elbow joint, and is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles used in gripping, extending the wrist and extending the elbow (the backhand motion in tennis). Golfers elbow presents as pain on the inside of the elbow, and is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles involved in gripping, flexing the wrist and flexing the elbow (golf swing).
The tenderness occurs when the tendon which attaches the muscles to the bone is damaged, sometimes it can develop micro-tears. There is a poor blood supply to this area so it can take a long time to heal.
Causes can include overuse in sports such as tennis, golf, and other activities including gardening, painting, computer and mouse use and lifting and carrying.
Symptoms can include:
- Elbow pain on the outside or inside of the elbow, pain may radiate down the forearm to the wrist.
-Elbow pain with lifting or bending the arm, gripping or activities such as lifting a cup, opening a door or turning a tap.
-Weakness in the wrist.
-Difficulty straightening the arm.
-Occasionally swelling around the elbow.
Osteopathic treatment may include ice and anti-inflammatory measures to decrease pain and swelling, soft tissue release techniques to the forearm muscles, strengthening and stretching exercises to stimulate healing and promote recovery. Massage and acupuncture can also provide improved function and pain relief. An elbow strap for tennis/golfers elbow can be helpful to reduce the load placed directly on the tendon attachment and allow healing to occur. Rest and avoidance from any aggravating activities until the pain settles is also recommended.
Elbow pain is a very common complaint and is seen regularly at BOC. Your osteopath is able to accurately diagnose and treat your elbow pain.