What is tennis or golfer’s elbow: Definition of epicondylopathy (formerly known as “epicondylitis”).
"Tennis elbow is a type of epicondylopathy (also referred to as epicondylitis, epicondylosis or epicondylalgia). This refers to the painful tendon irritation on the outside of the elbow (Epicondylopathia humeri radialis) caused by overuse. If the epicondylopathy occurs on the inside of the elbow, this is referred to as golfer’s elbow (Epicondylopathia humeri ulnaris). Tennis elbow is more common than golfer’s elbow.
Tennis and golfer’s elbow are not, as has long been assumed, caused by inflammation (epicondylitis), but rather the irritation of the tendon insertions (epicondylopathy). "
There are two types of epicondylopathy:
Tennis and golfer’s elbow: Causes and risk factors
"All forearm muscles that are required for finger and wrist strength and movement are attached to the two bony prominences (epicondyles) of the humerus by the tendon insertions. Overloading of these muscles causes microscopic tears in the tissue. These can lead to changes in the tendon tissue.
Both excessive overloading caused by sporting activities, as well as monotonous low strain patterns of movement, can cause epicondylopathy: Occupational overloading can lead to epicondylopathy just as easily as excessive exercise. For example, people are often affected by straining their forearm muscles by typing on a keyboard, working with a PC mouse and performing manual activities."
Symptoms and signs that may indicate epicondylopathy
"Elbow pain that manifests as tenderness when the joint is pressed. With tennis elbow, the extensor tendons on the outside of the elbow are irritated. With golfer’s elbow, the flexor tendons on the inside of the elbow are affected.
When the muscles in the forearm are put under pressure, the pain in the elbow joint increases. This can also radiate to the lower and upper arm. It can also diminish hand and finger strength.
Initially, the pain only occurs when under pressure, e.g., when making a fist, gripping or lifting. As the disease progresses, the pain can be felt even when at rest."
How can tennis/golfer’s elbow be prevented?
Avoid common incorrect strain of the elbow joint:
- Play tennis with the correct technique and, if necessary, invest in training sessions.
- Use support pads when working at a computer and use an ergonomically-shaped mouse to relieve pressure on the forearm.
- If you do manual work, then a cordless screwdriver will make your life easier.
- Lift objects so that the palm of your hand is facing your body.
- And last but not least: Watch out for signs of overuse and take a break.
Treatment for epicondylopathy?
Firstly, the patient must change their usual patterns of movement in the workplace or when playing sports, to avoid one-sided stress. Accompanying therapeutic approaches support the rapid resolution of symptoms:
- Supports: To relieve the irritated tendon insertions, many doctors first recommend an elbow bandage. The compressive knit structure of this bandage supports the affected forearm muscles. The tendons are relieved by the 3D pad and the strap.
- Elbow braces: there are also special braces, for example, the medi Epibrace. It has an integrated pad with which targeted pressure is exerted on the tendon insertion sites in the lower arm. Thanks to the load relief on the muscle origins, movement-related pain can be reduced.
- Operation: Epicondylopathy is rarely operated on. In most cases, tennis or golfer’s elbow can be treated conservatively.
- Stretching exercises: Through eccentric training therapy (bending and overstretching of the wrist and stretching out the forearm), many patients can do a lot to help themselves to recover from epicondylopathy: Regular stretching reduces the pulling force at the tendon insertion and relieves muscle tension.
- Strengthening: A comprehensive workout to strengthen the muscles can cure tennis or golfer’s elbow.
- Cooling or warming: Both can support the therapy. In the acute stage and after intense stress, cold has a soothing effect – for example, using a cooling compress. In contrast, many patients find heat therapy much more pleasant in treating chronic tennis or golfer’s elbow.
- Massage: Special massages (deep friction), as well as ultrasound or electrotherapy, stimulate blood flow.
- Shock wave therapy: In persistent cases or for patients whose tendons have already calcified, epicondylopathy is treated using extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). Short, strong shock waves stimulate the body’s own healing process.
- Other potential courses of action include acupuncture, injections and medication for pain reduction.
Therapy-accompanying exercises for epicondylopathy
There are ways to support the healing process for tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow with exercises that accompany the therapy, such as eccentric training. In addition, regular stretching can help reduce the tensile force at the tendon attachment and relax the muscles.
Exercises for tennis and golfer’s elbow
medi products for treating tennis and golfer’s elbow
medi products can help in treating tennis and golfer’s elbow.
- Elbow supports from medi
- Elbow braces from medi
Diagnosis & treatment
Pain in the elbow: The most common causes and exercises to accompany therapy
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Diagnosis & treatment
Health personnel will make the diagnosis and can prescribe medical aids, e.g. from medi if necessary.
Your medical retailer will fit them individually for you.
