EPICONDYLITIS OR TENNIS ELBOW — The muscles of the lower arm extend along the forearm and are connected to tendons, attach to the humerus (or upper arm bone) at two points just above the elbow. These points, called the medial and lateral epicondyles, are where tendons attached to the muscles insert into the bone.
Epicondylitis refers to injury and inflammation at the point of tendon insertion. Epicondylitis affecting the medial epicondyle (or the epicondyle located on the side nearest the body) is often referred to as "golfer's elbow", while epicondylitis affecting the lateral epicondyle is sometimes called "tennis elbow". These terms can be misleading, however, since any activity that involves repetitive wrist turning or hand gripping, tool use, hand shaking, or twisting movements can lead to the condition. Carpenters, gardeners, dentists, musicians, and others that routinely employ these movements are at increased risk for developing epicondylitis.
Symptoms — Epicondylitis most often affects the dominant arm. Patients experience localized elbow pain that may radiate into the upper arm or down to the forearm. Pain may cause weakness of the forearm. Symptoms of epicondylitis may occur acutely or can develop gradually over time. Once they appear, symptoms are often persistent, but in some patients will subside and reappear intermittently.
Diagnosis — The diagnosis of epicondylitis is usually based on the physical exam and a history of pain over the affected epicondyle. Sometimes, an anesthetic-injection test is performed to confirm the diagnosis. In this test, an anesthetic is injected into the affected area. Epicondylitis is confirmed if the pain is temporarily relieved.
Treatment — Treatment of epicondylitis focuses on healing the injured tendon, decreasing inflammation, and restoring forearm strength. During the acute period, treatment includes:
Activity restriction — Activity involving the affected elbow is restricted to encourage healing and prevent further injury. Elbow bands that provide some compression over the forearm muscle are available and can provide some pain relief.
Pain relief — Patients are typically instructed to apply ice to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes every four to six hours. Topical linaments may also be used to provide temporary relief of pain and swelling, and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (such as ibuprofen) may be prescribed for three to four weeks.
Immobilization — Wrist and hand motions tend to aggravate symptoms, and some patients find that immobilization with a wrist splint that has a metal stay extending up the forearm reduces symptoms. Immobilization is generally required for three to four weeks but may be necessary for a longer time in patients with severe symptoms.
If symptoms persist, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be discontinued and other measures considered. For example, a corticosteroid may be injected into the affected area. A topical cortisone gel also may be directed into the affected tissue with ultrasound by a physical therapist. Following injection, patients are prescribed a regimen of rest, ice, acetaminophen for soreness, and immobilization, followed by physical therapy exercises. Reinjection may be necessary if symptoms are not significantly reduced, or if they recur.
Recovery and rehabilitation — Patients are often prescribed isometric exercises to restore the strength and tone of the affected muscles and prevent recurrences. Exercises are usually begun between three and four weeks after elbow pain has resolved. The exercises are continued for up to 6 to 12 months in patients with recurrent disease.
Self massage followed immediately by icing is helpful.
Strengthening the extensor muscles of the hand have shown to be beneficial, place fingers into a rubberband and open the fingers and hold, or reps.
Most patients respond well to treatment. Pain at rest is often relieved after a few days of treatment, although patients may experience pain with arm use for up to 6 to 12 weeks. A small number of patients may need long-term physical therapy toning exercises with severe restrictions of forearm use. In patients with persistent symptoms, a diagnostic work-up to rule out other conditions may be considered. Surgery is rarely indicated, unless symptoms have persisted for one year or longer.
As a Chiropractor I see, and have many extremity issue refered to me because of my advanced training, alignment is crucial, maybe that needs to be checked!
Let me know if you require assistance finding help.
T
Please Scroll Down to See Forums Below 
Any help would be great...
