Muscles and appendices
Epicondylitis
What is tendinitis?
Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon.
Tendons are composed of fibres. They attach muscle to bone and give joints their mobility. When there are repeated movements, the rubbing of the tendon against the bone can provoke the wear of some fibres.
The micro-rupture of these tendinous fibres is accompanied by a painful inflammatory reaction. The inflammation can affect the surrounding structures, such as the synovial sheath around the tendons. Tendinitis can also be caused by repeated micro-trauma, such as blows or shocks, to the tendon.
The pain of tendinitis is increased by movement and calmed by rest.
What is epicondylitis?
Epicondylitis is the inflammation of the insertion of certain muscles on the top of the forearm at the level of the external part of the elbow.
It is provoked by repeated movements of the forearm (rotation), wrist (extension) or fingers (extension) during manual activities (masonry or gardening, for example) or sport (backhands in tennis, golf swings).
It is more commonly referred to as "tendinitis of the elbow" or "tennis elbow".
Orthopaedic treatment
The aim of the orthopaedic solution is to decrease both the pain (analgesia) and the tension in the insertions of the epicondylian muscles.
This is obtained by resting the elbow by blocking the movements of the wrist using a
made-to-measure thermoformable or standard wrist splint (maintaining a slight position of extension).
For less serious cases, simply decreasing the activity responsible can be sufficient.
In both cases, however, the prevention of recurrence is improved by wearing a wrist cuff, which eases the traction exerted on the natural insertion of the muscle.
Orthopaedic management can fit into the framework of a medical treatment prescribed by your doctor. In case of doubt, ask your doctor or orthopaedist for advice.
