The elbow pain may originate from the joint itself, attached bone or tissue to the joint, such as tendons. This sheet focuses on the 2 most common types of elbow tendon injuries . They are commonly referred to as the tennis elbow and the elbow of golfer ‘s elbow , but they do not affect only these athletes. Usually, it is the fact of soliciting the wrist repeatedly or with unusual intensity that can become harmful.
These injuries most often affect people in their forties or fifties, and as many women as men.
Types of Musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow
“Tennis player’s elbow” or external epicondylalgia (formerly called epicondylitis)
It affects 1% to 3% of the population. However, tennis is not the main cause of an external epicondylalgia. Moreover, the players are now rarely reached since the majority of them perform their backhand with both hands and use rackets much lighter than before.
The pain is mostly localized in the outer part of the forearm, in the epicondylic region (see diagram above). The epicondyle , also called external epicondyle, is a small bony protrusion of the outer face of the humerus, located near the elbow.
The elbow of the tennis player is the consequence of overwork of the extensor muscles of the wrist. These muscles can bend the wrist upward and straighten the fingers. |
“Golfer’s Elbow” or Internal Epicondylalgia (formerly called Epitrochleitis)
this condition is 7 to 10 times less common than tennis player’s elbow. It affects golfers, but also people who practice racket sport, baseball throwers and manual workers. The pain is located in the inner part of the forearm, in the region of the epitrochlea (see diagram above). The epitrochlea , also called internal epicondyle, is a small bony prominence of the medial aspect of the humerus.
The golfer’s elbow is the result of overworking the flexor muscles of the wrist. These muscles can bend the wrist and fingers down. |
For more information, see our article entitled Anatomy of the joints: basic concepts .
Causes of Musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow
When the same gestures are often repeated or improperly forced, small injuries appear in the tendons. These micro-traumas cause a decrease in tendon elasticity because the collagen fibers produced to repair the tendons are not as good as the original tendon.
Elbow “wear” or irritation of the nerves adjacent to the elbow may also cause pain and inflammation . Although these lesions do not systematically induce inflammation of the tendons, the surrounding tissues can ignite and damage the elbow joint.
Evolution
The pain usually persists for a few weeks, sometimes several months. It is rare that it lasts more than 1 year (less than 1% of cases).
Possible complications of Musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow
Unnoticed or unhealthy epicondylalgia leaves lesions that can lead to chronic pain, which is much more difficult to heal.
SYMPTOMS of Musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow
- A pain radiating from the elbow to the forearm and wrist. The pain gets worse when you grab an object or shake someone’s hand. The pain sometimes radiates when the arm is still.
- A touch sensitivity in the outer or inner region of the elbow.
- Rarely, there is a slight swelling of the elbow.
People at risk for Musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow
Tennis player’s elbow (external epicondylalgia)
- Carpenters, masons, jackhammer operators, assembly line workers, people who often use a computer keyboard and a mouse arranged in an ergonomic manner, etc.
- Tennis players and people who practice other racket sports.
- Musicians playing a string instrument or drums.
- People over 30 years old.
Golfer’s elbow (internal epicondylalgia)
- Golf players, especially those who often hit the ground before the ball.
- People who practice a racket sport. In tennis, players often use a forehand topspin or brushed ( topspin ) are most at risk.
- Athletes whose throws require a movement of whip wrist, such as baseball pitchers, throwers, javelin throwers …
- Bowlers.
- Workers who frequently lift heavy objects (transport of suitcases, heavy boxes, etc.).
Risk factors
At work or when doing maintenance or renovations
- An excessive rate that prevents the body from recovering.
- Extended shifts. When fatigue is gaining the shoulders, the reflex is to compensate by the wrist and the extensor muscle of the forearm.
- Hand and wrist movements that require great strength.
- The use of an inappropriate tool or the misuse of a tool.
- A poorly designed workstation or incorrect working positions (such as fixed positions or computer workstations without ergonomic considerations).
- The use of a tool that vibrates (trimmer, chain saw, etc.), using the wrist inappropriately or too intense.
In the exercise of a sport
- Musculature insufficiently developed for the effort required.
- A bad game technique.
- The use of equipment that does not match the size and level of play.
- Activity too intense or too frequent.
Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow
Basic preventive measures |
General recommendations
Prevention at work
Ergonomics tips for working at the computer
Prevention among athletesThe idea is to use the services of a competent sports coach to learn safe and effective techniques. He can also teach various exercises to stretch and strengthen the tendons. Here are some prevention tips.
For racket sports
Golf
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Medical treatment of musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow
It is important to consult a doctor in case of elbow pain . Tendons can suffer irreversible damage if they continue to be used, despite the use of medication. |
Acute phase
The duration of the acute phase of the injury varies. It is about 7 to 10 days . During the first 48 to 72 hours, it is important to immediately relieve the pain and inflammation that may be present. The injury is fragile and the tissues are more easily irritable than usual.
Here are a few tips :
- Put the elbow at rest by avoiding the actions that led to the injury. However, it is necessary to avoid the complete stop of the movements. Indeed, if rest is an essential component of treatment, prolonged inactivity can stiffen the joints (ankylosis). Thus, you should never immobilize your arm with a sling or splint.
- Apply ice on the elbow 3 to 4 times a day for 10 to 12 minutes. There is no need to apply cold compresses or magic bags (they are not cold enough and heat up in minutes). Continue applying ice as long as symptoms persist.
Tips and warnings for applying cold
Ice cubes can be applied directly to the skin in a plastic bag or in a thin, wet towel . There are also ice pak gel packs available in pharmacies that can be handy. However, when using these products, do not place them directly on the skin because there is a risk of frostbite. A bag of frozen green peas (or corn kernels) is a practical and economical solution, as it molds well to body shapes and can be applied directly to the skin. |
Drugs . During this phase, the doctor may suggest taking an analgesic (Tylenol or others) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, available over-the-counter (Advil, Motrin or others), naproxen (Naprosyn) or diclofenac (Voltaren) obtained by prescription. Do not take anti-inflammatory drugs more than 2 or 3 days. Analgesics can be taken longer.
Knowing that epicondylalgia is rarely accompanied by inflammation, cortisone injections no longer have a place in treatment.
Rehabilitation phase
Physiotherapy treatments should begin as soon as the diagnosis of epicondylalgia is made. Physical therapy can redirect collagen fibers, prevent ankylosis and recover lost mobility. This can be done by means of massage, friction, ultrasound, electric currents, laser, etc.
Once the pain is reduced, the focus is on muscle building while continuing to work on the mobility of the joint. It is especially important to strengthen the extensor muscles (for the elbow of the tennis player) and the flexor muscles (for the elbow of the golfer) of the wrist. For this type of injury, it has been proven that eccentric reinforcement , that is to say, to force while the muscle is growing longer, is the basis of the treatment.
It may be necessary, in more severe cases, to wear an orthosis (splint) designed to reduce the tension on the epicondylar muscles during wrist movements that are causing the problem. The rigid epicondyle bands, which look like bracelets placed under the elbows, are the most used. However, beware of fabric models (with or without a hard washer) or elastic bands sold in pharmacies, which are ineffective. It is better to buy them in orthopedic appliances stores.
Back to normal activities
The normal activity (the movements that caused the injury) is gradually resumed, when the full range of motion has been covered and the pain is controlled. A follow-up in physiotherapy makes it possible to prevent relapses. It is however essential to continue reinforcement exercises .
Surgery
Surgery is performed extremely rare. Generally, it is only used when the usual treatments do not lead to satisfactory results after several months. It should be known that the results are often disappointing.
Important. Incomplete rehabilitation or rapid return to normal activities slows the healing process and increases the risk of recurrence. Compliance with treatment – rest, ice, analgesic medication, physiotherapy, reinforcement exercises – results in a return to previous abilities for the majority of people. |