Medial Epicondylitis

Medial epicondylitis is an inflammation and irritation that develops in the forearm muscle tendons that flex (bend) the wrist where these tendons attach to the inner elbow.

 

Symptoms

1. Pain on the inside (pinky side) of the elbow and palm side of the forearm

2. Swelling in the area of tendon attachment on inside of the elbow

3. Shooting pain, numbness, or tingling down the forearm when gripping objects

4. Weakness in wrist/finger flexion and when gripping objects

5. Stiffness of forearm muscles

 

Causes

1. Repetitive flexing of the wrist- overuse

2. Excessive force placed on hand forcing it backward

3. Improper form lifting, throwing, or hitting

4. Poor warm up or conditioning for upper body activities

5. Forceful occupational or sport movements of the wrist

6. Improperly fitting equipment

 

Risk Factors

1. Sports, activities, or occupations involving repetitive wrist flexion

2. One arm dominant sports or activities

3. Weak forearm muscles

4. Overweight/obese

5. Smoking

6. More likely to develop in someone over the age of 40

7. Steroid use or multiple corticosteroid injections into the area

 

Prevention

1. Proper warm up and proper stretching before activity

2. Maintaining proper form and technique

3. Strengthen forearm muscles, specifically those that flex the wrist

4. Use properly fitting equipment

5. Know when to rest or discontinue repetitive action

 

Diagnosis

1. Physician exam which will include resistive wrist flexion 

2. X-rays will be taken to rule out other possible injuries/diagnoses

 

Treatment

Non-surgical:

• Rest- stop repetitive action

• Change mechanics or fix form/technique

• Lifestyle modification

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications

• Physical therapy to strengthen forearm muscles

• A forearm or wrist brace

• Corticosteroid injection

• Ice

 

Surgical:

• Surgery is rarely needed to treat this condition

• Medical epicondylar release- removes the damaged tissue from the tendon and then reattach tendons to the elbow.