Tennis Elbow /Lateral Epicondylitis
What is tennis elbow ?
The common starting point of the muscles that pull the wrist back, which we call the extensor group, is the protruding bone (lateral epicondyle) region that can be felt on the outside of the elbow. In this shadow, due to repetitive, compelling movements, tears in the muscle-tendon area and a result of degeneration. is a disease.
Who gets tennis elbow and why?
Contrary to popular belief, it is more common not only in tennis, but also in those who do hard work on the wrist. It is common among carpenters, painters, load bearers and housewives who do heavy housework. It is more common between the ages of 30-50, when the working life is active.
What are the symptoms?
The most important symptom is that the bone protrusion on the outside of the elbow is tender and painful. In advanced cases, pain may spread to the wrist along the muscle. Retraction and rotational movements of the hand are painful.
How to diagnose?
On examination, this area is painful on palpation, and wrist movements increase the pain. If necessary, ultrasound and MRI examinations are useful in making the diagnosis.
What is the treatment?
The basis of treatment is rest. Difficult jobs that cause problems should especially be avoided. Epicondyle bands and wrist splints at night can be used to relieve tension on the attachment of the extensor muscles during movement. In the acute period, ice and in the chronic period, hot compresses can be applied. Local cortisone can be applied to this area in patients whose complaints do not go away. Ultrasonic shock wave therapy is also used for the same purpose.
Surgical treatment is recommended for patients who last longer than 6 months and do not improve with these treatments. In surgical treatment, the degenerated tendon and the diseased area are cleaned and the tendon is sutured back.
With the Pulse RF Ablation treatment, which has been put into practice recently, it is observed that the pain disappears in a short time without the need for surgery, and a significant comfort and relief is provided for the patients.