Today we look at the causes and signs of elbow joint epicondylitis . This disease is referred to as degenerative inflammatory lesions of the human musculoskeletal system. In the process of development of this pathology, tissues are destroyed, the inflammatory process begins.
How does epicondylitis occur?
The cause of the disease is most often any long-term traumatic effects on the tissue surrounding the elbow joint . Such problems arise, as a rule, among athletes who are professionally engaged, for example, in tennis or golf. This pathology is also noted in representatives of other professions: masseurs, builders, carpenters, etc., as well as in people who are constantly forced to carry heavy loads.
Those who belong to these categories have microcracks in the tendons, in the places of attachment to the bone, caused by repeated movements. And this, in turn, becomes the cause of the inflammatory process on the adjacent bone tissue and gives characteristic manifestations of epicondylitis of the elbow joint.
Features of the disease
In medicine, two types of this pathology are distinguished: external (or lateral epicondylitis) and internal (medial). Accordingly, pain is localized, which is the main symptom of this disease: either in the area of the external or internal epicondyle (the place where the flexor and extensor muscles are attached).
In the presence of epicondylitis of the elbow joint, the patient can always very accurately indicate the place where the pain occurred. True, sometimes it can also be irradiating in nature, spilling along the outer or inner edge of the hand. When feeling, the doctor discovers a seal and the most painful point. As a rule, externally, neither the joint nor the skin above it changes.
How is the external epicondylitis of the elbow joint
If pressing pain occurs when you try to take, lift, carry an object or turn your hand outward and straighten it at the elbow - we are talking about external epicondylitis. By the way, this pathology has a peculiarity: if the patient’s muscles are passive, and someone will rotate or extend his arm, this will not cause discomfort. Over time, it becomes difficult for the patient to even greet the affected hand (the so-called symptom of a handshake).
Medial epicondylitis of the elbow joint: treatment
Unlike external epicondylitis, internal is less common, and mainly in individuals dealing with small, uniform physical exertion. Pain in this case appears when you try to bend your arm or turn it inward. It is localized on the inner side of the forearm, around the entire joint, radiating to the hand.
Both types of epicondylitis of the elbow joint should be treated only with the help of a specialist. As a rule, this happens on an outpatient basis. The doctor will find out the cause of the disease and pick up anti-inflammatory drugs (this can be either ointments or injections). Physiotherapeutic procedures are also prescribed: acupuncture and physiotherapy exercises. In difficult cases, surgical intervention is used.
Do not self-medicate!