What is Epicondylitis?
Epicondylitis is an inflammation of the tendons attached to the epicondyles of the elbow, causing throbbing pain sometimes radiating to the forearm. The epicondyles are bony protrusions on the humerus that serve as tendon attachment points. Overuse or repetitive movements weaken tendons and cause inflammation.
Lateral epicondylitis, or “tennis elbow,” affects the outer elbow, while medial epicondylitis, or “golfer’s elbow,” affects the inner elbow. These conditions are common not only among athletes but also office and manual workers.
Healing Time for Epicondylitis
Healing depends on severity, treatment response, adherence to care, and activity modifications.
What are the Symptoms of Epicondylitis?
Epicondylitis pain is localized to the elbow side affected—outer side for lateral and inner side for medial epicondylitis. Pain worsens with wrist and hand use. Lateral epicondylitis pain increases with finger extension or wrist bending upwards, hampering tasks such as typing or holding objects. Medial epicondylitis pain increases with gripping, making activities like holding a pen or golf club difficult. Symptoms typically develop gradually, starting with sensitivity and progressing to stronger pain radiating to the forearm.
What are the Causes of Epicondylitis?
Epicondylitis is caused by repetitive or improper wrist and hand movements or sudden overloading of forearm muscles, leading to microtraumas and tendon inflammation. Common activities include tennis, golf, wood cutting, and painting. Improper techniques in sports or work raise tendon stress. Sudden intense effort can also trigger epicondylitis.
Who is Most at Risk?
People at risk include office workers with poor ergonomics, manual laborers performing repetitive movements, and middle-aged or older individuals as tendon elasticity reduces with age.
Chiropractic Diagnosis of Epicondylitis
Chiropractors diagnose epicondylitis through patient history, physical examination, and specific resistance tests to confirm tendon inflammation and exclude other conditions like bursitis or sprains. Imaging exams like X-rays or ultrasound may be recommended to assess soft tissue and joint condition.
Chiropractic Treatments to Relieve Epicondylitis
Chiropractic adjustments reduce muscle and tendon tension and restore joint mobility. Other manual therapies include massages, stretches, and mobilizations to relieve inflammation. Ultrasound, shockwave, or laser therapies may be used to promote healing. Rehabilitation exercises strengthen forearm and shoulder muscles to aid recovery and prevent recurrence.
Prevention involves ergonomic advice and proper movement techniques, with workstation or sports technique modifications as needed.
Consulting a Chiropractor to Relieve Epicondylitis
Epicondylitis causes elbow tendon inflammation and pain often triggered by repetitive forearm movements. Chiropractic care effectively alleviates these symptoms. If you suspect epicondylitis or tendinitis, consult a chiropractor for a thorough evaluation and tailored care plan.