Epicondylitis of the elbow joint is a chronic disease in which degenerative-inflammatory changes affect this joint in the place of attachment of the muscular tissue to the bone of the forearm, as well as nearby tissues. This is a secondary pathology of non-infectious etiology, which, depending on the localization of the pathological process, is divided into:
- internal epicondylitis - with inflammation affecting the muscles responsible for flexion-extension of the hand;
- external epicondylitis - the inflammation of tendons of the elbow joint on the outside is developing.
Let's consider, with what the origin of the given disease is connected, and also, what are the main symptoms and methods of treatment of epicondylitis of the elbow joint.
The causes of epicondylitis elbow joint
The exact causes of this pathology have not been established so far, but it is known that the disease is associated with excessive loads and microdamages of the tendon tissue of the elbow joint provoking inflammatory processes. Some experts believe that the disease develops as a complication of periostitis or osteochondrosis .
It was also found that the epicondylitis of the elbow joint is highly affected by people engaged in certain professional activities, namely:
- workers in the construction industry (stunters, painters, etc.);
- workers of agricultural enterprises (milkmaids, tractor drivers, etc.);
- athletes (tennis players, weightlifters, etc.).
Also often the disease develops in seamstresses, typists. Thus, people are predisposed to the disease, whose activities involve the regular fulfillment of the monotonous flexion-extensor movements of the elbow joint, and also the hand.
Symptoms of epicondylitis of the elbow joint:
- painful sensations, which are weakly expressed at the initial stage, are noisy and appear after physical exertion, and subsequently become intense, sharp, are given to the whole hand;
- Absence of painful sensations at flexion-extension of arm in elbow without load;
- pain when making a handshake.
Treatment of epicondylitis of the elbow joint
To treat this disease, conservative methods are used. Typically, patients are recommended the following:
- Reduce the physical activity of the affected hand.
- To wear special elbow pads (in some cases, a gypsum immobilizing dressing or a tire is required to fix the elbow).
- Change profession.
Drug therapy in most cases is based on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs . To treat the inner and outer epicondylitis of the elbow joint, injections, as well as funds from this group in the form of ointments or tablets, can be used. In more severe cases, the use of corticosteroids, anesthetic blockades, is prescribed.
After removal of acute pain, physiotherapy methods are prescribed:
- electrophoresis;
- magnetotherapy;
- paraffin applications, etc.
It can also be recommended massage, physiotherapy exercises to restore the function of the joint.
Treatment of epicondylitis of the elbow joint at home
Good results can be achieved using traditional medicine in the fight against pathology. For example, a compress is effective, which is prepared according to a simple recipe.
Ingredients:
- interior fat - 200 g;
- fresh comfrey root - 100 g.
Preparation
Melt the fat in a water bath and mix it with the finely grated root of the comfrey. The mixture should be stored in a refrigerator in a glass container, and melt in a water bath before use (about 20 g for one procedure). The medium is impregnated with gauze and applied to the patient's elbow for 2 hours (top should be applied parchment paper and secure with a tissue).