– The most common overuse injury of the elbow and accounts for 90% of tendinopathies at the elbow.

– Common in people who play racket sports, but also not uncommon in carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, office workers, cashiers, bowlers and chiropractors.  It may also present in the leading arm of golfers.

– Caused by degeneration of the muscular origin of extensor carpi radialis brevis, but possibly extensor carpi radialis longus and extensor digitorum.

– Leads to microtears of the tendon with subsequent fibrosis, adhesions and possible necrosis.

GOLFERS ELBOW (Medial Epicondylitis)

– Usually caused by overuse and is a degenerative condition in adults, more inflammation in children.

– Synonyms are golfers elbow, little leaguers elbow, throwers/pitchers elbow.

– Common site is the interrly face between the muscular origins of pronator teres and flexor carpi radialis.

– Rarely causes swelling.

– Often accompanies rotator cuff or biceps tendinopathy.

– Related to overhand throwing, tennis serve, golf swing, or use of a hammer.

– Early on there is pain with activity but relieved by rest, becoming more consistant with time. Eventually it will limit activities, causing alterations in biomechanics, leading to shoulder and back problems. Very commonly leads to grip weakness.

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