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Medical treatments for musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow
It’s important to consult a doctor in case of elbow pain. Tendons can suffer irreversible damage if they continue to be used, despite taking medication. |
Acute phase
The duration of the acute phase of injury varied. She is around 7 to 10 days. During 48 to 72 early hours, it is important to quickly relieve any pain and inflammation that may be present. The injury is fragile and the tissues are more easily irritated than usual.
Here are a few tips :
Medical treatments for musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow: understand everything in 2 min
- Put your elbow in repos avoiding the actions that led to the injury. However, it is necessary to avoid the complete stopping of movements. Indeed, while rest is an essential component of treatment, prolonged inactivity can stiffen the joints (ankylosis). Thus, the arm should never be immobilized using a sling or a splint.
- Apply ice on the elbow 3 to 4 times a day, for 10 to 12 minutes. There is no need to apply cold compresses or magic bags (they are not cold enough and heat up in a few minutes). Continue ice application for as long as symptoms persist.
Tips and warnings for applying cold Can be applied directly to the skin of ice cubes in a plastic bag or in a towel thin and wet. There are also sachets of gel soft refrigerants (Ice pak®) sold in pharmacies, which can be useful. However, when using these products, they should not be placed directly on the skin, as there is a risk of frostbite. A bag of frozen green peas (or corn kernels) is a practical and economical solution, since it molds well to the body and can be applied directly to the skin. In the case of epicondylalgia, since the injury is located very close to the skin, the following method can also be used: freeze water in a styrofoam glass filled to the brim; remove the styrofoam border at the top of the glass to uncover the ice 1 cm thick; massage the affected area with the surface of the cleared ice. |
pharmaceuticals. During this phase, the doctor may suggest taking a analgesic (Tylenol® or others) or a anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal such as aspirin or ibuprofen, available over the counter (Advil®, Motrin® or others), naproxen (Naprosyn®) or diclofenac (Voltaren®) obtained by prescription. Anti-inflammatory drugs should not be taken for more than 2 or 3 days. Pain relievers can be taken longer.
Knowing now that epicondylalgia is rarely accompanied by inflammation, cortisone injections no longer really have their place in the treatments.
Rehabilitation phase
Treatments physiotherapy should begin as soon as the diagnosis ofepicondylalgia is posed. Physiotherapy helps reorient collagen fibers, prevent ankylosis and regain lost mobility. This can be done with the help of massages, friction, ultrasound, electric currents, laser, etc.
Once the pain subsides, the focus is on the muscle building while continuing to work on the mobility of the joint. It is especially important to strengthen the extensor (for the tennis player’s elbow) and flexor (for the golfer’s elbow) muscles of the wrist. For this type of injury, it has been proven that the eccentric reinforcementtreatment, that is, straining while the muscle is lengthening, is the basis of the treatment.
In more severe cases, it may be necessary to wear a orthosis (splint) designed to reduce the strain on the epicondylar muscles during wrist movements that are the cause of the problem. The rigid epicondylar bands, which look like bracelets that are placed under the elbows, are the most used. However, beware of fabric models (with or without a hard washer) or elastic bands sold in pharmacies, which are ineffective. Better to buy them in stores specializing in orthopedic devices.
Return to normal activities
Normal activity (the movements that caused the injury) is resumed gradually, when the full range of motion has been covered and the pain is controlled. A physiotherapy follow-up helps prevent relapses. However, it is essential to continue strengthening exercises.
surgery
Surgery is performed very rarely. Usually, it is only used when the usual treatments do not lead to satisfactory results after several months. You should know that the results are often disappointing.
Important. Incomplete rehabilitation or returning to normal activities too quickly slows down the healing process and increases the risk of recurrence. Adherence to treatment – rest, ice, pain relievers, physiotherapy, strengthening exercises – results in a full return to previous abilities in the majority of people. |