Elbow Injuries - Epicondylitis, Lateral or Medial

Authors: Melody Glenn, MD, Andrew Little, DO, Mary Haas, MD

Updated: 12/12/2016

Elbow Injuries: Epicondylitis, Lateral or Medial

Epicondylitis drawing

Xray Views

No XRs: A clinical diagnosis. Lateral: Focal epicondyle tenderness, decreased grip strength, pain with resisted wrist extension. Medial: Focal epicondyle tenderness, pain with resisted wrist flexion and forearm pronation.

Acute Management

Elbow rest.
Ice.
Daily NSAIDs.
Counter-force strap brace.
Wrist stretching and strengthening exercises.

Follow-up Timing

Routine follow up with primary care physician.

Notes

Lateral

Overuse of forearm extensor and supinator muscles
Associated with radial tunnel syndrome

Medial

Overuse of forearm flexor and pronator muscles
Associated with ulnar neuropathy and ulnar collateral ligament insufficiency

References

Wheeless’ Textbook of Orthopaedics. Available at: http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/adult_lateral_condyle_fracure. Accessed August 1, 2017.
Orthobullets. Available at: http://www.orthobullets.com/sports/3082/lateral-epicondylitis-tennis-elbow. Accessed August 1, 2017.
General Guidelines For Management for Orthopedic Injuries card by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Dept of Orthopedics.