Elbow tendinitis: main symptoms and treatment

Elbow tendonitis is an inflammation that occurs in the elbow tendons, which causes pain when making movements with the arm and hypersensitivity to touches in the elbow region. This injury is usually caused by strain or repetitive and forced movements of the elbow, during excessive flexion or extension when playing sports.

Overuse of the elbow muscles, tendons, and ligaments causes microscopic tears and local inflammation. When the affected site is one of the lateral ends of the elbow, the injury is called epicondylitis and when the pain is located more in the middle of the elbow, it is called elbow tendinitis, although the only difference is the affected site.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of elbow tendonitis are:

• Pain in the elbow region;
• Difficulty performing movements with the affected arm;
• Hypersensitivity to touch;
• There may be a tingling and burning sensation.

The diagnosis of this tendonitis can be made by an orthopedist or physiotherapist through specific tests carried out in the office, but to make sure that the tendon is injured, additional tests can be carried out, such as x-rays or magnetic resonance imaging.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment is usually done through a combination of medications and physiotherapy. The medications used are anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants, which control inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

Daily ice packs are important allies in this treatment and can be a good option to relieve pain, and should be used for 20 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. In some cases, immobilization of the elbow may be necessary so the tendon can heal.

During treatment it is necessary to reduce the pace of physical activities and, to strengthen the muscles and ligaments, some physiotherapy sessions are recommended. See more details on the treatment for tendonitis.

See how nutrition and physiotherapy complement each other in the treatment of tendonitis by watching the following video: