Medial epicondylitis, popularly known as golfer’s elbow, is an inflammation of the tendon that connects the wrist to the elbow, causing pain, a feeling of lack of strength and, in some cases, tingling.
This inflammation is more common in people who practice very intensive bodybuilding, farmers, after a weekend gardening session, or in people who perform physical activity consistently or repeatedly, such as darts, football or baseball, for example.
Symptoms of medial epicondlite include
No tests are necessary, because the pain is localized and quite characteristic, so it is easy for the doctor to get to the diagnosis.However, other causes should be evaluated, such as medial collateral ligament injury, ulna neuritis, fracture and muscle distension, for example.
One of the simplest and most effective treatments for elbow pain after a weekend gardening episode is rest; stopping the activity that causes symptoms for a few days is usually enough to fight the pain.
The use of anti-inflammatory ointments such as diclofenac may be indicated to relieve pain.The ointment should be used as directed by your doctor, approximately twice a day.Avoiding heavy bags is also important for pain relief, but placing ice packs between 7 and 15 minutes can also be a good strategy at home.When these home treatments aren’t enough, physical therapy may be appropriate, especially if it makes a person’s work and daily life difficult.
In physical therapy resources such as tension, ultrasound, laser, wrist flexor stretching exercises, shoulder strengthening, Kinesio band application for faster improvement, in addition to deep cross-sectional massage, as shown in the following video:
When pain and discomfort persist for more than 6 months, your doctor may order injections of anesthetics and corticosteroids at the exact location of the pain.Another possibility is extracorporeal shock waves, which involves placing a device that emits ultrasonic waves in the painful place for about half an hour.This facilitates tissue regeneration, improving pain in a short period of time.Learn more about shock wave therapy.
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury and the type of activity of the person, and can range from 8 weeks to more than one year.