Elbow Pain
Elbow pain can be caused by a number of things. We’ve listed below a couple of the most common causes along with our methods of treatment at Lightwater Health & Chiropractic Clinic:
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
The lateral epicondyle is the outside part of the elbow where the forearm muscles and tendons attach. These tendons can sometimes get irritated by repeated wrist extension, which can lead to pain, tenderness and weakness of grip. A common occurrence when taking up tennis for the first time or a plumber becoming a lot busier at work.
Symptoms:
Pain can be felt on the outside of the elbow and you may also experience slight swelling. Repetitive movements such as typing or painting can cause pain and the lifting of objects may be more difficult as you feel a weakness.
Treatment:
Conservative treatment such as massage, acupuncture, ultrasound, mobilisation and shockwave help improve symptoms. An elbow strap will also compress the area and relieve symptoms.
Prognosis:
Most patients recover within 6-12 weeks with substantial rest and avoiding aggravating activities.
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)
This is the same mechanism as tennis elbow but it’s the inside of the elbow that becomes irritated. This normally occurs when there is an increased load of repetitive wrist flexion.
Symptoms:
Pain can be felt on the inside of the elbow. Repetitive movements can cause pain and the lifting of objects may be more difficult as you feel a weakness.
Treatment:
Conservative treatment such as massage, acupuncture, ultrasound, mobilisation and shockwave help improve symptoms.
Prognosis:
The majority of patients will see an improvement between 6-12 weeks with substantial rest and avoiding aggravating activities.
