Elbow Tendonitis

The elbow is a particularly difficult area.. If you know, you know.

Tennis elbow is also called Lateral epicondylitis. The extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle and tendon are usually overused which leads to microscopic tears where it attaches. This is what causes inflammation, pain and even numbness. So, how do we treat microscopic tears?

Elbow Tendonitis Pain

There are two types of elbow tendonitis: Tennis elbow (common extensor tendon) and Golfers elbow (common flexor tendon) Tendonitis can be caused by a variety of movements but especially those that are repetitive and involve heavy lifting, squeezing or twisting. You may feel pain near the outside of your elbow even when doing things with “only your hands”. Even if your elbow-itis has not become severe, due to the nature of the healing process, a physical therapist should be contacted as soon as possible. Elbow tendonitis may take up to a year before completely healing, however, 80-95% of people are successful with treatment.

It is important to take preventative care and strengthen muscles around the arm, such as the shoulder and the tendons affected. It is recommended to start by resting for a few days up to a few weeks depending on the severity. We need to rest so that inflammation may progress and allow for a natural healing process to occur. Secondly, we can use anti-inflammatories for pain. Next, ice is always a good idea for pain and swelling management at and around the affected area. A tennis elbow brace can help with pain as it changes the way we move but it is not recommended for a long period of time. Stretching the wrist into flexion and extension has proven to be the most beneficial stretches. Physical therapy can be very useful for the elbow, including exercises, electrical simulation, ultrasound, massage, laser therapy and the Graston Technique. Other non-invasive treatment options include steroid injections, platelet rich plasma injections, extracorporeal shock therapy.

For more about tendonitis, see this article.