Lateral epicondylitis of the humerus

Lateral epicondylitis of the humerus, also called tennis elbow or injury of the radial extensor carpi tendon, is occupation-related and common in adults requiring repeated forceful wrist extension, especially those who frequently forcefully rotate the forearm, such as tennis and golf players, violinists, and bricklayers and carpenters. It belongs to the category of bi syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine.

Common Symptoms

Lateral elbow swelling, pain and functional impairment; limb pain; swollen, tender elbow; elbow pain

Causes

With the forearm over-pronated or supinated, passive stretching of the extensors (making a fist, flexing the wrist) and active contraction of the extensors (extending the wrist) put great tension on the common extensor tendon origin at the lateral epicondyle; long-term repetition causes chronic injury there. Thus any occupation or daily activity requiring repeated forceful wrist movement can cause it, such as tennis, badminton and table tennis players, fitters, chefs and housewives. With aging, in a few cases, middle-aged and elderly office workers who do not usually exercise can develop it from weak muscles even when briefly lifting heavy objects, such as carrying a heavy suitcase on a business trip or helping move large numbers of books and furniture. Pathomechanism: the basic change is chronic traumatic inflammation. Although localized, its extent varies: some have it only at the tip of the lateral condyle, mainly fasciitis and periostitis; others between the lateral epicondyle and radial head, mainly myofasciitis or humeroradial joint synovitis. In addition, a small neurovascular bundle deep to the common extensor tendon may be compressed as it passes through the tendon and fascia, with inflammatory cell infiltration and scar tissue around it, forming the pathological basis of symptoms. 1. With the forearm over-pronated or supinated, passive stretching of the extensors and active contraction put great tension on the extensor origin, causing chronic injury; occupations requiring repeated forceful wrist movement and some less-active middle-aged elderly office workers can develop it even briefly lifting heavy objects. 2. The basic pathology is chronic traumatic inflammation varying in extent, with a small neurovascular bundle deep to the common extensor tendon being compressed as it passes through, with inflammatory infiltration and scar tissue, forming the basis of symptoms.

Treatment

Supportive treatment, rehabilitation therapy, traditional Chinese medicine

Prevention

Daily prevention: 1. It is related to chronic injury and is often caused by strain in the elderly, so work intensity should not be too high; do not walk long distances carrying heavy objects, and do not wash too much laundry at once. 2. Prevent myofascial strain of the lateral epicondyle; exercise regularly, actively move upper-limb joints and strengthen muscle strength to help prevent it. 3. Before work, warm up with functional exercises such as making fists, flexing elbows, pronating and punching out forcefully; do not often use cold water during work and avoid trauma.

Recommended Department

It is recommended to visit the orthopedic surgery department; before the visit you may first book an appointment and connect with experts through this platform.

Warm reminder: The above information is provided for health education reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek care at a regular hospital in time.