Medial and Lateral Elbow Pain

Lateral Elbow Pain

Lateral elbow pain has only a 3% prevalence within the United States, but that values increases to 7-10% for those in mid-life, 40-60 years (1). Recurrence of pain occurs at 6-12 months with a rate of up to 54% after 2 years (1). What this highlights is how difficult it is to successfully treat lateral elbow pain. Often, the pain comes from the extensor carpi radialis brevis or the extensor carpi radialis longus of the extensor digitorum tendons – better known as the extensor tendons (1). The term tendinitis or tendinosis are used to describe the stage of the tendon irritation, acute or chronic respectively; however, tendinopathy is the current term. Tendinopathy is described as “pain and impaired muscle function related to a broad spectrum of potential intratendinous changes in structure, histology, and chemical mediators of pain and/or inflammation” (1). Tendinopathies take time, proper loading, and proper diagnosis to heal. Could the lateral elbow pain be something else? You bet. Diagnosis of the elbow pain is important as not only could the injury be from the tendon, but also from a displaced or stuck joint or even from a ligament injury. We are skilled at finding the answer.

Medial Elbow Pain

Medial elbow pain is less common with prevalence at 1% and possibly one-third the rate of lateral elbow pain (2). The most common people effected are overhead athletes, carpenters, and plumbers mainly due to the repetitive motion and the movement of the forearm and the wrist (2). The pain from tendinopathies relate to the flexor muscles and tendons. For thrower’s, the injury stems from an injury to the medial collateral ligament (MCL of the elbow) due to the repetitive nature and the high force and torque placed on the elbow structures of up to 300 N in a single throw (2). Several factors can lead to breakdown of the MCL: the number of pitches, improper throwing technique, and poor physical conditioning (2). Little League Elbow is a condition that occurs in younger baseball players due to the repetitive throwing motion in a growing elbow joint, which is exacerbated by the use of breaking pitches and year-long sport involvement in a single sport (2). Proper healing comes from the ability to determine the structures involved and to correct faulty mechanics if possible.

At the SHOP, we develop plans and routines to help with elbow pain in Springfield, MO. We believe in our treatments and implement them throughout our practice to help you achieve decreased pain, improved mobility, and enhanced ability to do the things you love.

If you live in Springfield, MO and the surrounding area, let The SHOP help treat your elbow pain. Do you want to learn more or get started with treatment?

References:

1. Lucado AM, Day JM, Vincent JI, et al. Lateral Elbow Pain and Muscle Function Impairments. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2022;52(12):CPG1-CPG111. doi:https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2022.0302

2. Barco R, Antuña SA. Medial elbow pain. EFORT Open Reviews. 2017;2(8):362-371. doi:https://doi.org/10.1302/2058-5241.2.160006