Epicondylitis Flashcards
What is epicondylitis?
Inflammation of the tendons of the forearm where they insert onto the epicondyles at the elbow
What do the tendons that insert into medial and lateral epicondyles do?
Medial
Flex the wrist
Lateral
Extend the wrist
Who is affected by epicondylitis?
People with repetitive use of the
Patients often in middle age
What is another name for lateral epicondylitis?
Tennis elbow
What symptoms are experienced in tennis elbow?
Pain radiating down the forearm
Weakness in grip strength
What is Mill’s test?
Elbow is extended, forearm pronated and wrist flexed
Examiner holds patients elbow with pressure on lateral epicondyle
Pain = positive test indicating lateral epicondylitis
What is Cozen’s test?
Elbow is extended, forearm pronated, wrist deviated in direction of radius and hand in a fist
Examiner applies pressure to lateral epicondyle
What is another name of medial epicondylitis?
Golfer’s elbow
What are the symptoms of medial epicondylitis?
Pain and tenderness at inner elbow
Pain radiates down elbow
Weakened grip
What is the golfer’s elbow test?
Extended elbow, forearm supinated, wrist and fingers extended
Examiner puts pressure on medial epicondyle, pain-positive, golfer’s elbow
How long can symptoms of epicondylitis take to resolve?
May take several years
Most patients epicondylitis resolves with time
What are the management options of epicondylitis?
Rest
Adapting activities
Analgesia
Physiotherapy
Orthotics
Steroid injections
Platelet-rich plasma injections
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
When is surgery used in epicondylitis?
Rarely used
May be needed to debride, release or repair damaged tendons
