Often caused by overuse of the wrist and forearm muscles, this inflammation frequently affects office workers, manual laborers, and athletic individuals.
If you have epicondylitis, a visit to a chiropractic clinic could help relieve your symptoms and optimize your recovery.
What is Epicondylitis?
Epicondylitis, characterized by a throbbing pain in the elbow sometimes radiating to the forearm, is an inflammation of the tendons attached to the epicondyles of the elbow.
The epicondyles are the “bumps” at the end of the humerus (arm bone) that serve as attachment points for the tendons of the wrist and hand muscles. When these muscles are overused, especially during repetitive movements, the tendon can weaken or become inflamed, causing elbow pain. This is how epicondylitis can develop.
When the inflammation affects the outer side of the elbow, it is called lateral epicondylitis, also known as “tennis elbow.” If the inner side of the elbow is affected, it is medial epicondylitis, commonly called “golfer’s elbow.”
Despite their names, these conditions are not limited to athletes: they frequently affect office workers and manual laborers.
What is the Healing Time for Epicondylitis?
The healing time for elbow epicondylitis varies depending on several factors. The severity of the condition, the individual’s response to treatment, consistency in following care routines, and changes made to usual activities are key elements.
What are the Symptoms of Epicondylitis?
Pain is one of the most characteristic symptoms of epicondylitis. For lateral epicondylitis, the pain is generally located on the outside of the elbow, while for medial epicondylitis, it is felt on the inside of the elbow.
The pain can increase during use of the hand and wrist. In lateral epicondylitis, extension movements, such as straightening the fingers or bending the wrist upward, can be painful. For example, it may be difficult to hold a milk carton or type on a computer keyboard. In medial epicondylitis, gripping movements mainly cause pain. For instance, it can be painful to hold a pen or a golf club.
Symptoms of epicondylitis usually develop gradually. At first, the affected area is sensitive to touch. Elbow pain then progressively intensifies and may extend to the forearm.
What are the Causes of Epicondylitis?
Epicondylitis is generally caused by repetitive or improperly performed hand and wrist movements or by sudden overload of the forearm muscles.
Excessive and repeated use of the wrist and hand muscles can lead to microtraumas and inflammation of the tendons attached to the epicondyle. This frequently occurs in people engaged in activities such as tennis, golf, wood cutting, or painting.
Using improper technique during certain sports or professional activities can also increase stress on the elbow tendons, promoting the development of epicondylitis.
Finally, a sudden overload of the forearm muscles and tendons can also cause epicondylitis. This may happen during intense effort or an unusual activity that excessively strains the forearm muscles.
Who Are the People Most at Risk of Developing Epicondylitis?
Lateral epicondylitis is common among office workers whose workstations are not ergonomic.
Manual workers who perform repetitive movements of the arm, hand, and wrist also have an increased risk of developing epicondylitis.
Middle-aged and older individuals are also more susceptible because tendons tend to lose elasticity and strength with aging.
Chiropractic Diagnosis of Epicondylitis
If you suffer from symptoms of epicondylitis, you can consult a chiropractor for a chiropractic diagnosis and to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate to relieve your elbow pain.
During the consultation, the chiropractor will first ask questions about your medical history, the nature of your symptoms, their progression, and activities that may worsen them. This step, called the “anamnesis,” will allow them to gather crucial information to guide the diagnosis.
The chiropractor will then perform a physical examination of your elbow. They will observe your joint, palpate it, and conduct movement tests to assess muscle strength and detect pain presence.
They will also conduct specific tests, such as resistance tests, to confirm that it is indeed epicondylitis. This will help rule out other potential causes of pain like bursitis, elbow sprain, or pain referred from the shoulder or neck.
If necessary, the chiropractor may recommend imaging exams, such as X-rays or echography, to evaluate the condition of your soft tissues and joint structures, thereby confirming the diagnosis.
Chiropractic Treatments to Relieve Epicondylitis
To ease your epicondylitis symptoms, the chiropractor can perform chiropractic adjustments. These manipulations aim to reduce tension on the muscles and tendons of your elbow and restore normal joint mobility.
The chiropractor may also use other manual therapy techniques such as massages, stretches, and joint mobilizations to reduce tension and inflammation linked to your epicondylitis. Ultrasound therapy, shockwave therapy, or laser therapy may also be employed to promote healing.
In addition to these treatments, rehabilitation exercises may be recommended. Intended to strengthen the forearm and shoulder muscles, these exercises can help optimize healing and prevent recurrences.
From a prevention perspective, the chiropractor can also provide ergonomic advice and explain appropriate movement techniques. For instance, if your injury is work-related, they may suggest modifications to improve your workstation ergonomics. If your epicondylitis is related to sports practice, they can offer tips to enhance your sports techniques.
Consulting a Chiropractor to Relieve Epicondylitis
Epicondylitis is an inflammation of the tendons attached to the epicondyles of the elbow. It is manifested by elbow pain sometimes radiating to the forearm. Usually caused by repetitive movements of the arm, wrist, and hand, it is a condition often observed among office workers and manual laborers.
Chiropractic care is an effective solution to alleviate the pain felt in the elbow. If you believe you suffer from epicondylitis, tendinitis, or another condition, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a chiropractor for a comprehensive evaluation.