Steroid & Cortisone Injections for Tennis Elbow and Elbow Pain
Tennis elbow and Golfers elbow are all problems that Injection Clinic deals with on a regular basis.
Common Conditions
- Joint degenerative changes (osteoarthritis)
- Burisitis
- Biceps tendon problems
Elbow Function
The elbow joint is a hinge joint with a twist; the forearm not only bends and straightens but it can also rotate. Consequently the movement of the joint and arrangement of ligaments and tendons is more complex than a simple hinge.
The forearm muscles also attach over the joint. These are the muscles that power the wrist and hand and provide our strong grip. Unfortunately repetitive strain injury’s are common.
The list of conditions on this page provides a further insight into different problems and their treatments. If you are not sure of the specific nature of your problem then please book an appointment to help determine your diagnosis.
Tennis Elbow
Its not all tennis
Tennis elbow pain rarely has anything to do with playing tennis. The medical name, lateral epipcondylitis is more descriptive in that the condition is inflammation (itis) of the tendons as they attach onto the outside (lateral) part of your elbow (epipcondyle).
A common problem
The problem is common because of the amount of work we do with our hands. Every time we grip and hold, we use the forearm muscles.
The extensor muscles work hard hold the wrist in position whilst our strong finger flexor muscles generate the powerful grip. Over time the less powerful extensors muscles can fatigue and the tendons become irritated and inflamed. Occasionally the tendons can tear.
Ultrasound diagnosis helps determine the extent of irritation and/or damage and therefore enables the correct treatment choice.
Rest and avoidance
Treatment for tennis elbow depends on the extent of the problem.
Often rest and avoidance can minimise irritation and allow the tendon to settle.
Injection of medication
Tennis elbow injection
There times when cortico-steroid injections help decrease symptoms and enable more normal function which in turn promotes a better repair.
With chronic tennis elbow the use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a valid consideration; particularly in long term problems that are not resolving.
Exercises for Tennis Elbow
Basic stretches for the extensor muscles are essential during all levels of irritation as these help mobilise the tendon fibres and promote normal function.
This stretch can be seen on video at the QuickPhys website. ‘Click here to see the exercises’
Golfers Elbow
Its not all golf
Just like Tennis elbow, Golfers elbow rarely has anything to do with playing Golf. The medical name, medial epipcondylitis is more descriptive in that the condition is inflammation (itis) of the tendons as they attach onto the inside (medial) part of your elbow (epipcondyle).
Quite a common problem
The problem is less common then Tennis elbow because the attachment site of the tendons is larger.
However, Golfers elbow is still a frequent problem because of its involvement with our forearm muscles. These muscles provide the power for our grip.
Ultrasound diagnosis helps determine the extent of irritation and/or damage and therefore enables the correct treatment choice.
Rest and avoidance
Treatment for Golfers elbow depends on the extent of the problem.
Often rest and avoidance can minimise irritation and allow the tendon to settle.
Injection of medication
Golfers elbow injection
There times when cortico-steroid injections help decrease symptoms and enable more normal function which in turn promotes a better repair.
With chronic Golfers elbow the use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a valid consideration; particularly in long term problems that are not resolving.
Exercises for Golfers Elbow
Basic stretches for the flexor muscles are essential during all levels of irritation as these help mobilise the tendon fibres and promote normal function.
This stretch can be seen on video at the QuickPhys website. ‘Click here to see the exercises’
