The elbow is constantly involved in daily tasks, repetitive movements, and sports activities. When this area is overloaded over time, an injury known as epicondylitis can occur, causing pain on the outside of the joint.
What is epicondylitis and why is it known as tennis elbow?
Epicondylitis is a injury that affects the tendons located on the outside of the elbow, This is generally a consequence of overuse or repetitive movements. Although it is often associated with sports, it can also occur during work activities and everyday tasks.
The term “tennis elbow” is used because This injury is common in racket sports due to repetitive wrist and forearm movements. However, many people who develop it do not regularly play tennis or participate in sports activities.
Which tendons in the elbow become inflamed or degenerated in epicondylitis?
Epicondylitis usually affects the tendons responsible for extending the wrist and fingers, especially in the area where they join the elbow bone. Among those most involved are:
- Extensor carpi radialis brevis: one of the tendons that is most frequently affected by overload and repeated micro-injuries.
- Common extensor of the fingers: It participates in the extension of the fingers and can become irritated with repetitive gripping actions.
- Extensor carpi radialis longus: It helps with wrist extension and stability movements.
- Extensor carpi ulnaris: It is involved in some wrist and forearm movements related to strength and repetition.
What is the difference between epicondylitis, epitrochleitis, and other elbow injuries?
There are various injuries that can affect the elbow because this joint is involved in several processes. tendons, muscles, nerves, and other structures subjected to constant stress. Although some discomforts may seem similar, not all have the same origin or affect the same area.
Epicondylitis causes pain on the outside of the elbow, While medial epicondylitis, or "golfer's elbow," affects the inner area. Other injuries, such as bursitis, nerve entrapment, or joint pathologies, can cause stiffness, loss of strength, or different discomforts depending on the affected structure.
What symptoms of epicondylitis appear when gripping, lifting weight, or using a mouse?
Epicondylitis usually causes discomfort that increases with repetitive activities or gestures that require hand and forearm strength. Symptoms may vary depending on the level of overload and the time elapsed since the injury.
- When grasping objects: Pain may occur when closing the hand tightly, opening jars, or holding tools and bags.
- When lifting weight: Discomfort often increases when lifting objects, especially with the arm extended or when exerting force with the wrist.
- When using the mouse or keyboard: Some people notice persistent pain, fatigue in the forearm, or discomfort after maintaining the same posture for a long time.
How to identify pain on the outside of the elbow due to epicondylitis?
The pain of epicondylitis is usually located on the outside of the elbow and increases with certain wrist and forearm movements. Some Signs that help identify this injury are:
- Discomfort localized on the outer side of the elbow.
- Pain when extending the wrist or lifting objects.
- Feeling of weakness when gripping or holding weight.
- Increased discomfort after continued overload.
- Pain radiates to the forearm in some cases.
What signs indicate that epicondylitis is becoming chronic?
When Epicondylitis progresses for weeks or months without improvement., The discomfort may become more persistent and limit some activities. Among the most frequent signs are:
- Pain that appears even at rest.
- Discomforts that last for several months.
- Progressive loss of strength in the hand or forearm.
- Difficulty performing routine tasks.
- Frequent recurrence of symptoms after temporary improvement.
- Constant sensitivity in the outer area of the elbow.
What are the most frequent causes of epicondylitis in work and sports?
Epicondylitis usually occurs due to repeated overload of the tendons involved in wrist and forearm movements. Both some sports activities and certain jobs can generate continuous stress on this area and promote the appearance of micro-tears.
How do repetitive wrist and forearm movements affect pain?
Repetitive movements can lead to a constant load on the forearm tendons, This is especially true when exercise is performed for many hours or with poor technique. Over time, this overload contributes to minor injuries that cause discomfort and a loss of exercise tolerance.
Actions such as turning tools, typing, using a mouse, lifting weights, or performing repetitive sports movements They increase the strain on the forearm. When there is insufficient recovery, the pain can develop gradually and become more persistent.
Which sports and professions increase the risk of epicondylitis?
Some activities require repetitive gripping, strength, and wrist extension movements which increase the risk of developing epicondylitis. Among the most frequent are:
- Tennis and racket sports.
- Padel and squash.
- Golf and sports pitching.
- Office work with continuous use of mouse and keyboard.
- Manual professions with repetitive tools.
- Mechanics, painters and electricians.
- Activities involving constant loading or handling of weight.
What everyday mistakes can worsen epicondylitis of the elbow?
Some daily habits may Maintaining the overload on the elbow will hinder recovery from the injury.. Among the most frequent errors are:
- Continue performing painful activities without rest.
- Lifting weight repeatedly with poor posture.
- Using tools or a mouse for many hours at a time.
- Resuming intense sport too soon.
- Do not correct technical gestures or repetitive postures.
- Ignoring the discomfort for weeks or months.
What treatments exist to cure or improve epicondylitis?
The treatment for epicondylitis depends on the duration of evolution, intensity of discomfort, and level of functional limitation. In most cases, the combination of relative rest, physiotherapy, and activity adaptation allows for improvement of symptoms and gradual recovery of elbow function.
What exercises, physiotherapy, and activity changes help in elbow recovery?
Recovery usually focuses on reduce the overload on the tendons and improve tolerance to movement. Some frequently used measures are:
- Progressive exercises to strengthen the wrist and forearm.
- Gentle stretching of the muscles involved.
- Physiotherapy aimed at improving mobility and function.
- Manual therapies to reduce muscle tension.
- Temporary adaptation to repetitive gestures or loads.
- Posture correction and sports technique.
- Frequent breaks in sustained activities.
When are infiltrations, shock waves, or surgical evaluation recommended?
When The discomfort persists despite conservative treatment, Other options to manage pain and promote recovery may be considered.
Between the most used alternatives they find each other:
- Infiltrations: They may be considered in selected cases to reduce pain and inflammation when there is significant limitation.
- Shock waves: They are used in some chronic epicondylitis cases to stimulate the recovery of tendon tissue.
- Surgical assessment: It is usually reserved for persistent injuries that do not improve after several months of conservative treatment.
How to prevent epicondylitis relapses when returning to work or sports?
After recovery, it is important reduce the factors that contributed to the initial overload to reduce the risk of relapse. Some helpful recommendations are:
- Resume activity gradually.
- Avoid sudden increases in load or intensity.
- Maintain strengthening and mobility exercises.
- Correct repetitive postures and gestures.
- Take breaks during prolonged tasks.
- Use adapted materials or tools when necessary.
- Do not ignore persistent discomfort in the elbow or forearm.
The team of Elgeadi Traumatology She has experience in the diagnosis and treatment of elbow injuries. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with epicondylitis, book an appointment with our traumatologists.
