Arm, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Injuries/Conditions

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elbow pain

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Patient Forum
Forum Name: Arm, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Injuries/Conditions
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about arm, elbow, wrist & hand injuries/conditions.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=992
Printed Date: Apr 26 2024 at 8:47pm
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Topic: elbow pain

Posted By: Dana66
Subject: elbow pain
Date Posted: May 15 2012 at 7:36pm

I have been dealing with elbow pain for 4 months. I started with orthopedic who ordered an MRI. Results of MRI was extensive tendonopathy and partial tear in the common flexor tendon. All of my symptoms are lateral. The outside of the elbow is very painful to touch. I have lost range of motion extending the elbow. I have at times severe burning below the elbow on the top of the forearm. I cannot turn my palm outward or extend my wrist upward without significant pain.

He sent me to an orthopedic surgeon, due to conflicting symptoms verses MRI results. I have no pain medially. I was told by othopedic surgeon's PA, I have severe lateral epicondylitis and radial tunnel syndrome. I continue therapy and have better use of my hand with menial tasks. I can now make a fist but with weak grip, and can lift a coffee mug. I continue to have burning on top of the forearm and still cannot extend my elbow. I stretch, I use weights. I cannot get my elbow to extend fully, or place my elbow on a table and lay my arm down flat with palm up.

Can you tell me why all of my pain correlates more with lateral epicondylitis then medial epicondylitis. This is one question no one can seem to answer. I work in the medical field and my arm work is repetitive. I have trained myself to do alot left handed but the pain and loss in ROM in the right elbow continues. They have also used the term over use syndrome. Will this get better without surgery?

Replies:

Posted By: Ask a PT
Date Posted: May 21 2012 at 11:36am

If you have issues with the flexor muscle groups your extensors may be working more particulary with eccentric control (ie. extensors help with control with going into flexion) which may result in added strain to the extensor group thus resulting in possible lateral epicondylitis. A few of the other things I would work on with my patient that may have this condition would be working on the eccentric control and mobilization at the the joints at the elbow and wrist/hand. I hope this helps.

Posted By: Dana66
Date Posted: May 21 2012 at 7:00pm

Thank you for taking the time to reply. It is very frustrating and slow going. What you said makes sense and I will work on what you have suggested. Thank you again. :)