Epicondylitis, also called humeral epicondylalgia or tennis elbow, is a tendinopathy affecting the wrist and fingers’ extensor tendons.

The inflammation arises when the tendons connected to the lateral humeral epicondyle on the elbow degenerate, affecting the elastic fibers replaced with scar fibers.

Sometimes, this degeneration can be due to microtrauma or “overuse,” for example, when repeating unnatural positions and in case of arm strains. 

Epicondylitis: Who Does It Affect?

Epicondylitis generally affects those who are forced, perhaps due to repetitive tasks, to keep the elbow and wrist in an unnatural position for a prolonged time. It affects, for example, those who work in front of computers for several hours a day and other professionals such as waiters or mechanics.

Epicondylitis: A Pain Not to Be Underestimated

Patients often do not take epicondylitis seriously, especially when associated with everyday gestures and habits that patients do not consider harmful. In such cases, the risk of a delayed diagnosis is higher, resulting in a chronic disorder.

Tennis elbow causes loss of tendon elasticity and thus compromises wrist and elbow movements. Pain is the principal flag, radiating through the arm with every movement, even during simple actions.

Because it tends to become chronic, epicondylitis can also go so far as to negatively impact patients’ quality of life and prevent the normal execution of daily activities.

Tennis Elbow: How Is It Treated?

Epicondylitis is diagnosed by palpation of the epicondyle and specific tests. If the results are positive, they may indicate the presence of this condition.

Typically, once the severity of the problem is established, the first initial approach is rather conservative and involves the use of:

  • Anti-inflammatories;
  • Physical therapies such as laser therapy and focal shock waves to improve local micro vascularization;
  • Physical therapy and stretching sessions to be done at home to allow the tendons to regain elasticity.

The last crucial point for a successful treatment is ensuring that the elbow and wrist avoid all those movements causing strain on the tendon.

These therapies help increase tendon elasticity and improve vascularity. These two elements impact the tendon’s ability to move and the pain experienced by the patient.