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I’ll help edit the report to focus on medial epicondylitis while maintaining the same structure and format. Here’s the edited version:
Medial Epicondylitis Report
Medial epicondylitis, commonly known as golfer’s elbow, is a musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain and tenderness at the medial epicondyle of the humerus. This condition typically results from overuse and repetitive stress on the forearm flexor muscles and their attachment to the medial epicondyle.
The condition primarily affects adults aged 30-50 years and is commonly associated with occupational activities requiring repetitive wrist flexion and forearm rotation. While traditionally linked to golfers, it more frequently occurs in non-athletes, particularly workers involved in manual labor, such as those in manufacturing or construction industries.
The pathophysiology involves microtearing and subsequent degeneration of the common flexor tendon, particularly the pronator teres and flexor carpi radialis. This leads to a failed healing response characterized by angiofibroblastic hyperplasia, rather than traditional inflammation, making the term “tendinosis” more accurate than “tendinitis.”
Clinical presentation typically includes pain that radiates from the medial epicondyle down the forearm, weakness in grip strength, and pain exacerbated by activities involving wrist flexion and forearm pronation. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on history and physical examination findings, including point tenderness over the medial epicondyle and pain with resisted wrist flexion.
Initial management focuses on conservative treatment, including activity modification, relative rest, and ergonomic adjustments. Physical therapy emphasizing eccentric strengthening exercises is a cornerstone of treatment. Other conservative measures include:
NSAIDs for pain management
Counterforce bracing
Wrist flexor stretching exercises
Ice therapy for acute pain relief
For cases resistant to conservative treatment, additional interventions may be considered:
Corticosteroid injections (though long-term benefits are debated)
Platelet-rich plasma injections
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
Ultrasound-guided tenotomy
Surgical intervention is reserved for cases that fail to respond to 6-12 months of conservative treatment. Surgical options include open, arthroscopic, or percutaneous release of the common flexor origin. The success rate for surgical intervention ranges from 80-90%.
Prognosis is generally favorable with appropriate management, though recovery can take several months. Prevention strategies include proper ergonomic setup at work, appropriate equipment sizing, and technique modification in sports activities. Work restrictions often include limiting repetitive wrist flexion and heavy lifting until symptoms improve.
The condition can significantly impact occupational function, particularly in jobs requiring manual labor or repetitive arm movements. Therefore, early recognition, appropriate activity modification, and comprehensive rehabilitation are essential for optimal outcomes and prevention of chronic disability.
Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer’s elbow or thrower’s elbow, is a condition that causes pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow. It’s caused by repetitive stress and overuse of the muscles that bend the wrist and fingers. These muscles attach to the bony bump on the inner elbow, called the medial epicondyle.
Medial epicondylitis is a fairly common condition, affecting about 0.4% of the general population. It’s seen equally in men and women, most often between the ages of 40 and 50. The dominant arm is usually affected.
The pain of medial epicondylitis develops gradually over time. It’s usually felt right over the medial epicondyle, but it can spread down the forearm too. The elbow is tender to the touch, and it hurts to bend the wrist or turn the palm downward against resistance. Grip strength in the affected hand is often decreased compared to the other side.
Certain sports and activities put extra stress on the elbow and increase the risk of developing medial epicondylitis. These include golf, baseball (especially pitching), tennis, weightlifting, and javelin throwing. Jobs that require repetitive elbow and wrist motions, like carpentry or plumbing, can also lead to this condition. Smoking and obesity are other risk factors.
Fortunately, medial epicondylitis usually gets better with simple treatments. Resting the elbow, avoiding activities that cause pain, and taking anti-inflammatory medications can help a lot. Wearing a wrist splint and doing stretching and strengthening exercises with a physical therapist are also very effective. In stubborn cases, a steroid injection into the tender area can reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery is rarely needed.
With proper treatment, the vast majority of people with medial epicondylitis improve within 6-12 months. However, the condition can come back, especially if the aggravating activities are resumed too quickly. That’s why it’s important to make a gradual return to sports and work duties.
In a nutshell, medial epicondylitis is a common, treatable condition that stems from overuse of the forearm muscles. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help people get back to their regular activities as quickly and safely as possible.
©2025 Dr Frank McCormick All Rights Reserved.
©2025 Dr Frank McCormick All Rights Reserved.
