What is epicondylitis.
Definition
Osteoarthritis exercises with arms such as tennis, golf, etc., the upper and lower parts of the elbow joint (inside, the upper and lower parts of the spine, the area where the curvature or extension of the spine muscles began). The upper overhang is called “tennis elbow,” and the back overhang is called “golf elbow.”
It fits well with many arms, and other exercises than tennis and golf, vocals like 1% of computer users, housewives, carpenters, cooks, etc., about 1% of prevalence, about 0.1%.
Cause
Epicondylitis occurs when the extremity and flexion muscles of the wrist joint are overloaded or repeatedly used excessively. Inner epicondylitis is a problem with the wrist flexor muscle, and outer epicondylitis is a problem with the wrist joint muscle. In particular, microscopic tearing (rupture) occurs in the tendon when the muscle is contracted and overloaded, but it is known that chronic pain occurs due to incomplete and abnormal healing due to incomplete and abnormal conditions when repeated load is applied during the healing process.
Symptom
When epicondylitis occurs, the pain starting from the inside or outside of the elbow of the elbow (scar) shows a clinical pattern that extends to the lower arm. In most cases, it progresses slowly and does not know exactly the time of onset, but in some cases, it may start acute and reveal a relatively accurate history of damage. Pain can range from mild to severe enough to sleep at night, and in some cases, daily activities such as washing or eating are difficult.
Diagnosis / Test
There is a severe pain area (pushing point) on the elbow and 1 ~ 2cm below the elbow due to physical examination. Can be diagnosed. Simple radiographs, ultrasonography, and MRI can help with the diagnosis. In simple radiation, the bony cortex is hardened or calcified. Ultrasound is useful because the sensitivity is less than the MRI, but the tendon can be damaged, and the primary diagnosis can be made by identifying hayitis. MRI is a test that is needed to determine if the tendon is damaged and if there are other causes if symptoms do not improve even after a long period of conservative treatment.
Treatment
The general treatment principles can be summarized as controlling pain, relieving inflammation, promoting natural healing of soft tissues, restoring muscle strength, and returning activity. In most cases, conservative treatment is enough to recover, and the most important thing in conservative treatment is rest. If the tendon is repeatedly loaded with excessive muscle, the damaged tendon cannot be restored normally, so muscle use should be minimized.
Various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can be used to control pain. Physical therapy using superficial and deep heat is also helpful. Steroid topical injection may have a short-term effect, but in the long-term, it is known that it has a lower effect and a higher recurrence rate than other treatment methods. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is also known to have little effect.
If sufficient conservative treatment has not improved, surgical treatment may be considered. As a surgical method, various methods have been introduced, such as removing and resealing a site with pathological histologic changes, and surgery using arthroscopy. Unconditionally, one is not good, and the most suitable method should be selected according to the tendon or ligament condition of the elbow joint.
Progress / Complication
Epicondylitis occurs when the damaged area cannot heal normally due to excessive use of the muscles and joints, repeatedly applying a heavy load on the tendon. In severe cases, a portion or entire layer of the tendon may tear and burst (rupture). Conservative therapies, such as rest, physical therapy, and exercise therapy, recover over 90%, but if you do not listen after conservative treatment with enough rest for more than 6 months, you should consider surgical treatment. Surgical treatment can provide satisfactory results in over 90%.
Prevention method
Excess use should be avoided to avoid straining the tendon, and when the initial symptoms occur, sufficient rest should be given so that the damaged tendon can heal normally.
Diet / Life Guide
If you have epicondylitis, avoid excessive use, overload, and repeated use to help your muscles rest.
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