EPICONDYLITIS (Tennis and Golfersī Elbow)
"Lateral Epicondylitis"(ep"i-kon"di-li'tis) is the most common form of tennis elbow, and is mostly caused by overstress of the muscle attachment to the bone at the outside of the elbow. Another variant of tennis elbow is "Posterior Epicondylitis", where the attachment to the back of the elbow is the site of pain.
Golfer's elbow or "Medial Epicondylitis" occurs when the attachment of the flexor muscles of the forearm is overstressed at the inside of the elbow. Repetitive throwing activities, racquet sports, and golf are particularly likely to cause such problems.
ESWT is often very effective in the treatment of epicondylitis (tennis or golfer's elbow). Maximal effectiveness (75-90%) is most likely to occur when the painful area is at a specific point over the affected site. Generalized, non-localized elbow pain should not usually be treated with ESWT.
In addition to ESWT treatment, there are several generally accepted treatments used in overuse or repetitive stress disorders. These may include:- Rest, ice, compression, elevation and activity modification
- Braces, splints,and/or orthotics
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) (e.g. Naprosyn, Advil Motrin, Nuprin, Alleve, Asprin etc.), Cox inhibitors (Celebrex, etc.)
- Physical therapy, occupational therapy, conditioning and general fitness
- Steroid injections/ Local anesthetic
There are specific training techniques and equipment factors that are sport specific. For example, tennis elbow may respond to correction of backhand technique (lateral epicondylitis), forehand technique (medial epicondylitis), modification of racquet grip, head size or string tension. Similar factors also exist in many of the other "overuse injuries" and they should be corrected whenever possible.
Back to ESWT Home Page
|
|
