Elbow Tendinitis
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Costs
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What is elbow tendinitis?
Elbow tendinitis is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendons and subsequent pain in the elbow area. Tendinitis may occur following an injury to the elbow, although it is more commonly associated with overuse of the muscles in the area.
At the elbow, the flexor tendons (inner side) and extensor tendons (outer side) are most commonly affected by tendinitis, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Forms and types of elbow tendinitis
The most common forms of elbow tendinitis are:
Lateral epicondylitis: Also known as tennis elbow. The pain is located on the outer side of the elbow and may be accompanied by swelling (edema) in the area. The pain radiates to the forearm and as far as the wrist and worsens with extension of the fingers and lifting weights.
Medial epicondylitis: Also known as golfer’s elbow or thrower’s elbow. Pain and swelling are located on the inner side of the elbow. The pain worsens during flexion of the elbow, wrist and fingers. Lifting weights and making a fist are painful.
How is it caused? What are the main causes of elbow tendinitis?
The most common causes are the following:
Frequent and prolonged strain on the elbow
Repetitive daily movements, such as frequent computer use
Intense and repetitive sports activity
Poor technique during sports, such as tennis
Manual work and frequent lifting of weights
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus or rheumatoid arthritis, may occasionally lead to tendinitis in the elbow area
Symptoms of elbow tendinitis
The most common symptoms are:
Pain on the inner or outer side of the elbow. The pain may radiate as far as the wrist.
Night pain that wakes the patient, especially if they sleep on the affected elbow.
Weakness of the wrist when lifting or holding weight, or even during simple everyday movements such as holding a pen or a glass.
Reduced mobility of the elbow (a feeling of stiffness).
How is the diagnosis made?
A patient with elbow tendinitis requires assessment by a specialized Orthopaedic Elbow Surgeon. Mr Leonidou will take a detailed medical history and examine you. An X-ray will be required to confirm that the pain and stiffness are not due to osteoarthritis of the elbow and that there are no coexisting calcifications in the tendons. Mr Leonidou will perform an ultrasound examination of the area. In some cases, the doctor will refer you for an MRI scan of the elbow.
Conservative treatment for elbow tendinitis
The initial treatment of elbow tendinitis is conservative and includes the following:
Rest and activity modification
Ice therapy
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Physiotherapy and a home exercise program. The exercises aim to reduce pain and restore range of motion. They include stretching exercises, isometric exercises and strengthening exercises.
Use of a special brace for a short period of time
Cortisone injection alone or in combination with the use of autologous healing factors from platelets (PRP)
Conservative treatment has high success rates and the majority of patients make a full recovery.
Surgical treatment for elbow tendinitis
If conservative treatment fails, elbow arthroscopy offers a definitive solution with excellent functional outcomes for lateral epicondylitis. Elbow arthroscopy involves 3 incisions measuring 4 millimetres in length. Through these incisions, a camera with a cold light source and various instruments are inserted into the elbow. Mr Leonidou will remove the inflamed tissues around the tendon. During surgery, he will also repair any other damage that may be present in the elbow (such as instability). Surgical treatment of medial epicondylitis is performed through a small incision of less than 4 centimetres on the inner side of the elbow. Hospitalization is not required and the patient is discharged from the hospital a few hours after the procedure.
How successful is surgery for elbow tendinitis?
Surgical treatment of elbow tendinitis is a safe procedure with minimal bleeding, exceptionally low complication rates and excellent functional outcomes.
What is the cost of the operation? How much does it cost?
The cost is quite affordable. For more information, please contact us.
If you experience symptoms of elbow tendinitis, consult the specialized orthopaedic surgeon Mr Andreas Leonidou for a comprehensive diagnosis and individualized treatment. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad, having served as a Consultant at a University Hospital, and specializes in elbow surgery.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialized care and targeted treatment in just one visit.