It is an inflammation in the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the epicondyle of the elbow bone. It can have two types of locations: lateral, commonly known as tennis elbow and medial, known as golfer's elbow.
It is caused by repetitive movements of extension of the wrist and supination of the forearm, placing the palm of the hand downward. It is frequent in the practice of some sports, computer users and in certain trades such as painters, bricklayers and butchers.
The most frequent symptom is pain in the elbow when flexing the wrist and shaking hands. It may be accompanied by a weak grip, tingling from the elbow to the little finger and ring finger, or pain on palpation of the epicondylar area. It usually subsides during the night and with rest.
The diagnosis is clinical, being very suggestive of the symptoms and signs reported by the patient.
Treatment consists of resting the area, applying ice to the inside of the elbow and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
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