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Do you have any of these Symptom
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Elbow Pain
Tennis elbow is the
common name given to pain originating on the
outside or
lateral side of the elbow. This condition
arises from an irritation or inflammation of
the tendons of one or several forearm
muscles at their attachment to the bony
protuberance close to the elbow joint, known
as the lateral epicondyle. Therefore the
medical term for this condition is lateral
epicondylitis, meaning an inflammation of
the epicondyle. If the condition is located
on the inside or medial side of the elbow it
is often referred as
Golfer's Elbow or medial epicondylitis.
This, however, is not as prevalent as
lateral epicondylitis.
There are many causes
for Epicondylitis - not just tennis & golf -
as any activity that involves repetitive
gripping of objects can result in this
affliction. Some individuals develop tennis
or golfer's elbow from prolonged carrying of
heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or
computer work using improper wrist and arm
posture. With sports, the problem arises
when we are new to the game, use an improper
technique, try out new racquets or clubs, or
increase the intensity or duration of
exercise without the proper preparation.
Sometimes the condition can be so severe
that it is difficult to even grip and lift
one's coffee cup!
Some cases involving
epicondylitis can be attributed to problems
further up the arm or even in the neck. If
someone has a disc condition or spinal
subluxation, the nerves that control the
forearm muscles may become irritated causing
the muscles to tense and put marked strain
on the tendon attachment(s). In these
circumstances, this predisposes an
individual to elbow pain from any of the
above mentioned causes. If left untreated it
is possible
that the joints of the elbow can become
subluxated further complicating the
condition.
Epicondylitis is a
condition that rarely resolves of its own
accord and so requires proper medical
management. A qualified medical professional
such as a chiropractor can determine the
exact cause of the problem and initiate the
proper care and treatment. This might
include modalities such as ultrasound,
electrotherapy, massage, hot and cold
treatments, bracing and home stretching and
exercises. Chiropractic adjustments have
proven extremely effective in the overall
management of this problem.
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