Tennis Elbow, Lateral Epicondylitis, Repetitive Stress Syndrome

Tennis Elbow or Repetitive stress syndrome is considered as an injury of repetitive strain being caused frequently by sports or occupational activities. It is very common especially since the widespread use of computers and other hand held devices at work.

Thee condition has a complex mechanism of action. Tendonitis and periosteal dysfunction both may play a role in the condition. Specifically, it is caused by increased muscle tension and abnormal coordination resulting in chaotic muscle contraction, tendon strain, causing inflammation and painful hand and wrist movements.

Mechanism of injury, Overuse, Impaired Coordination, Stress, Inflammation

Psychological stress, strenuous, repetitive motions, overuse, and faulty hand positions may cause nerve dysfunction with impaired coordination, resulting in a painful inflammation of the elbow, called lateral epicondylitis. (tennis elbow)

The syndrome consists of inflammation of the lateral epicondyle, where extensor muscles of the forearm originate. Hence the diagnosis: lateral epicondylitis.

Normally, the flexor and extensor muscle groups of the forearm work synchronously, and in synergy. When one muscle group contracts, the other relaxes and vice versa.

Abnormal Muscle Tension or Muscle Tone, Muscle Spasm, Muscle Strain

Repetitive stress results in abnormal muscle tension impairing muscle efficiency and nerve coordination. Due to higher tone, muscle action -both contraction and relaxation- is subjected to higher resistance. As a result of impaired coordination the two muscle groups contract simultaneously but asynchronously, against each other in a chaotic movement pattern, causing prolonged muscle contraction, spasm and strain at the muscle attachment.

Physical Therapy, Inflammatory Edema, Periosteal Detachment, Painful Movements

Tendons are attached to the bone through the periosteal membrane, that adheres to bones like a glove. Chronic pull on the periosteum causes protracted muscle strain and spasm resulting in a subperiosteal fluid bubble, (inflammatory edema) and periosteal detachment. Further strain will increase the bubble size, aggravating the detachment. Due to rich nerve supply the inflamed and especially the detached periosteum is extremely painful upon movements. Persistent, methodical physical therapy may be successful to remedy this chronic, stubborn condition.

If you have complaints of elbow and forearm pain with aggraveted hand function you may be suffering of tennis elbow and you need profeesional help.  

Call New York Midtown Orthopedics for an appoinment.

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