|
|
-
Forearm muscles that help to bend the wrist down (wrist flexors) start at a common tendon attachment on the inside bump of the elbow, called a medial epicondyle. Medial Epicondylitis is a painful inflammation of these tendons and muscles near the point where the tendon fibers attach to the bone of upper arm. It is also referred to as "golfer's elbow," because the motion that the golf club is swung at heightens the risk of developing medial Epicondylitis.
|
|
- Tenderness and pain on the inside of the elbow, especially in the epicondyle area.
- Pain may worsen when bending the wrist.
|
|
- The overuse of wrist flexors can cause small tears and inflammations on the forearm tendons. After healing of these micro-tears, scar tissue is formed. The scar tissue does not have elasticity, so these are easily re-injured by repetitive strains that can lead to chronic pain.
- There are many repetitive activities that affect these tendons, such as repetitive bending of the wrist, grasping and turning the hand.
|
|
-
The diagnosis is made by the symptoms and physical examinations. There are usually no significant X-Ray findings in medial Epicondylitis
|
|
-
The aim of
treatment is pain relief and prevention of
recurrence.
- Ice packs for acute pain relief
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and Ibuprofen.
- Rest the affected elbow
- Gradual exercise of forearm to strengthen the tendons and muscles
- Supportive treatment using the elbow strap or brace may be helpful
- Surgical removal of the scar tissue in intractable cases
|
| | |
If you want your friend to read or know about this article, Click here
|
|
|