Lateral And Medical Epicondylities

🦾 Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) 🎾

Location: Outer (lateral) side of the elbow.

Affected Tendons: Primarily the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), along with other wrist extensors.

Common Causes: Repetitive wrist extension and gripping activities, such as tennis, painting, plumbing, and carpentry.

Symptoms:

• Pain or burning sensation on the outer elbow, radiating down the forearm.
• Increased pain with wrist extension or gripping motions.
• Tenderness just distal to the lateral epicondyle.

Treatment Options:

• Rest and activity modification.
• Ice application and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Physical therapy focusing on strengthening and stretching.
• Bracing or using counterforce straps.
• Corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in persistent cases.
• Surgical intervention in refractory cases.

🦾 Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow) ⛳

Location: Inner (medial) side of the elbow.

Affected Tendons: Common flexor tendon group, including the flexor carpi radialis and pronator teres.

Common Causes: Repetitive wrist flexion and forearm pronation, such as in golfing, throwing sports, and weightlifting.

Symptoms:

• Pain or tenderness on the inner elbow, possibly radiating down the forearm.
• Pain exacerbated by wrist flexion or forearm pronation.
• Weakness in grip strength.

Treatment Options:

• Rest and avoidance of aggravating activities.
• Ice and NSAIDs for pain relief.
• Physical therapy emphasizing stretching and strengthening.
• Bracing or using counterforce straps.
• Corticosteroid injections or PRP therapy in chronic cases.
• Surgical options for persistent symptoms.

🔍 Key Differences