Epicondylitis of the elbow joint. Treatment

Epicondylitis in the elbow joint is an inflammatory disease. There is inflammation in the area of attachment to the bone of the forearm muscles. Depending on the localization, internal and external inflammation is diagnosed.

External epicondylitis occurs as a result of inflammation of the tendons, which are located on the joint of the external ulnar side.

Internal inflammation affects the muscles involved in extension and flexion of the hand. They are located on the inner ulnar part.

It should be noted that in most cases, external inflammation develops. External epicondylitis refers to a group of the most common diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system.

As medical practice shows, such inflammation is a secondary disease. However, the cause of its occurrence is not completely clear. Along with this, specialists identified groups of people most susceptible to the development of this disease. They include agricultural workers, builders and athletes. As a rule, people of these specialties perform monotonous movements (flexion and extension). In this case, the main load is on the upper limbs. As a result of overload of tendons and microtraumas in the tissues, inflammatory processes occur in the joint.

The main manifestation of inflammation of the joint is pain. It should be noted that in the initial stages it is not characterized as intolerable or acute. However, it has a clear localization. Painful attacks can occur as a result of stress on the affected area. Free flexion or extension of the elbow, as a rule, painful sensations is not accompanied. Thus, during the diagnosis, injuries are excluded.

Prolonged inflammation is accompanied by prolonged aching pains.

Epicondylitis of the elbow joint. Treatment

As observations show, people seek medical help for the progression of the disease. After the appearance of initial signs in such cases, a fairly long period passes. In the advanced stage of the disease, "epicondylitis of the elbow joint" treatment presents some difficulties.

The initial stages of the disease involve abstinence from activities that contribute to its further development. Thus, the restoration of tendons and muscles will occur naturally.

With severe sharp pains accompanying the epicondylitis of the elbow joint, treatment may involve the imposition of a joint fixing bus.

In case the inflammation is a consequence of a microtrauma, a cold is prescribed for a week. The patient is recommended to apply ice to the affected area.

To restore the motor functions, which disrupted the epicondylitis of the elbow joint, the treatment includes therapeutic gymnastics and massage. Exercises are aimed at stimulating the muscles and stretching the affected tendons.

People who are diagnosed with epicondylitis can be prescribed medication. For the removal of inflammation, the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs or the use of anti-inflammatory ointments is prescribed. It should be noted that such methods are used in cases when the advanced stage of the disease develops. In this case, the specialist prescribes preparations containing diclofenac or ibuprofen.

In some cases, when external epicondylitis is diagnosed, treatment involves blockade. Such methods are used for a particularly acute disease, with no effect on the use of medications (including ointments). In this case, the specialist makes an intramuscular injection in the focus of pain. The injection contains an anesthetic and glucocorticosteroids. These introductions are performed once.

In some cases, with inflammation, shock wave therapy or surgical intervention is prescribed. During the operation, the focus of inflammation is removed.