Golfer's elbow
Epicondylitis is an inflammation of the tendinous origins of the forearm muscles at the elbow.
Epicondylitis can occur on the outside or inside of the elbow. Epicondylitis on the outer side is more common and is also known as “tennis elbow”, as there is a relationship between the clinical picture and the type of sport. The function of the affected muscles is to stretch the wrist and fingers. Epicondylitis on the inside is also known as “golfer’s elbow” and affects the muscles that bend the wrist and fingers.
Strenuous, repetitive activities in which the hand and/or fingers are repeatedly stretched (tennis elbow) or bent (golfer’s elbow) can lead to inflammation of the muscle origins at the elbow. This clinical picture occurs more frequently in patients between the ages of 35 and 45.
There is pain on the outside or inside of the elbow with possible radiation into the forearm. The pain is aggravated by wrist and/or finger extension (tennis elbow) or flexion (golfer’s elbow) against resistance. The symptoms can progress to the point where the patient is no longer able to lift lighter objects due to pain.
The diagnosis is made on the basis of the medical history and clinical examination. If necessary, an X-ray examination will be ordered to rule out joint or bone injuries. In protracted or very pronounced cases, an MRI examination can sometimes be helpful to assess the extent or any concomitant diseases.
The treatment of epicondylitis is primarily conservative, i.e. non-surgical. It includes a reduction in the activities that cause the pain.