Epicondylitis of the elbow joint

The inflammatory process in the area of ​​the elbow, in the place where the muscles are attached to the bone of the forearm, is the epicondylitis of the elbow joint. There are external and internal epicondylitis of the joint, depending on the site of inflammation. External epicondylitis occurs with inflammation of the tendons, which are located on the outside of the elbow joint. Internal epicondylitis is the inflammation of the muscles that provide extension of the hand( the inner part of the elbow).But it is the external epicondylitis that most often develops in humans. This is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Causes of epicondylitis of the elbow joint

Inflammation of the tendons of muscles does not in itself occur. Epicondylitis of the joint is a secondary disease. Experts can not determine the specific reasons for the development of this disease. But it was possible to identify some groups of individuals who are most prone to epicondylitis of the elbow joint. They are people of construction professions( painters, plasterers, masons, etc.), sportsmen( boxers, weightlifters, wrestlers, etc.), agricultural workers( tractor drivers, milkmaids, laborers).

In themselves, these activities do not lead to the disease. Epicondylitis of this species develops with a multitude of monotonous movements, extension and flexion of the elbow joint with some load on the arm. Most often, the dominant hand suffers( the majority - the right hand, left-handed - left).

The main version of this disease is microtraumatic tissues and tendon overload, which provoke the development of inflammatory processes.

What are the symptoms of epicondylitis of this species?

In the acute course of this elbow joint disease, the patient suffers acute and permanent pain in the joint, pains appear in the forearm. Also, pain intensifies when the wrist is compressed, when heavy objects are carried in the hand.

Symptoms of subacute epicondylitis are: pain when pressing on the joint and under load, pain in the back of the hand and forearm.

The lateral epicondylitis of the elbow joint is often called the "elbow of a tennis player".In most cases, the disease is chronic. For a fairly long time, pain may be present. But it should be noted that with the timely diagnosis of epicondylitis, treatment is usually successful, painful sensations pass.

Medial epicondylitis, it is also called the "elbow of a golfer", can develop in individuals whose activity is in monotonous repetitive movements. The syndrome of muscle overload, flexor muscles develops. At the same time, a person experiences severe discomfort during movement, as well as weakness in the forearm.

What are the methods of treatment of epicondylitis of the elbow joint?

Treatment of this disease of the elbow joint by conservative methods, as a rule, gives a positive result. One of the main conditions for the successful treatment of epicondylitis is the restriction of all kinds of load on the joint. It is necessary to protect one's hand from all movements that cause pain.

For the treatment of this disease apply, and successfully, the following activities. Assign physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, curative gymnastics( to relax the muscle and reduce its spasm).In the treatment they use laser therapy, reflexotherapy, cryotherapy. Also recommend wearing a bandage in the upper third of the forearm. After 3-4 weeks, with timely treatment, all the symptoms of the epicondylitis of the joint disappear. But for the final recovery, as well as to exclude the transition of the disease to the chronic stage, it is necessary to limit the load on the hand for several months.

In acute pain in this disease, to get rid of it, apply surgical methods of treatment. But these methods are applied only when conservative treatment does not bring positive results. Operative methods of treatment: tunneling and excision( only partial) of the hypertrophied ligament in the elbow joint.

To prevent this disease, you must observe certain conditions. Before doing sports, you should always conduct warm-up, warm up muscles and tendons. The load should be distributed in order not to overstrain the muscles of the hands. In the process of playing sports or work, it is recommended to fix elbows with the help of elastic bandages. Also, when performing any monotonous work, you need to rest your muscles, taking breaks.