Repetitive stress at the muscle-tendon junction causes lateral and medial epicondylitis. Lateral epicondylitis is popularly known as tennis elbow and it originates at the lateral epicondyle while the medial epicondylitis which is also known as golfer’s elbow originates at the medial epicondyle. Despite what the names are likely to suggest, these problems are not just confined to the sportsperson but has also found its way into the common people as well.

It is not an unknown fact that owing to the lifestyle, Bangalore is replete with instances of people with orthopedic problems. The lack of physical exercise as well as inappropriate strain on the body causes people of this busy city to face innumerable orthopedic problems ranging from minor joint pains to more serious problems like osteoporosis. While some of these problems can be taken care of with just a few simple exercises and little medications, the remaining problems are more serious and have the potential to impair a person. The silver lining in this dark cloud is that there is no shortage of orthopedic centres in this city. However, it is always advisable to trust nothing but only the best Orthopedics hospital in Bangalore and that is vikram hospital

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are orthopedic conditions that have become increasingly prevalent in patients in the 35-55 years age gap. The annual incidence of tennis elbow in general practice is 4-7 cases per 1,000 patients, with a peak in patients 35-54 years of age. Golfer’s elbow is the most common cause of medial elbow pain, but the incidence is about one fifth as common as tennis elbow. Both of these are overload injuries, which occur after minor and often unrecognised trauma to the proximal insertion of the extensor (tennis elbow) or flexor (golfer’s elbow) muscles of the forearm.

Considering the fact that these are injuries which tend to occur only in response to overstraining of the tendons, it is advisable to take appropriate precautions in advance so as to avoid the round trips to hospitals. A proper understanding of these diseases would, indeed, minimize the dangers.

Activities like a tennis groundstroke, for example, lets the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight. When propelled by overuse, ECRB is weakened and microscopic tears form in the tendon where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle. This leads to inflammation and pain. Due to its position, the ECRB may also be at increased risk for damage. As the elbow bends and straightens, the muscle rubs against bony bumps. This can cause gradual wear and tear of the muscle over time. This is how the tennis elbow can get aggravated.

The Golfer’s elbow, which is also another case of elbow tendinitis, is usually caused by overusing the muscles in the forearm that allow you to grip, rotate your arm, and flex your wrist. Repetitive flexing, gripping, or swinging can cause pulls or tiny tears in the tendons. Unlike the tennis elbow that stems from damage to tendons on the outside of the elbow, golfer’s elbow is caused by tendons on the inside.

The symptoms include pain and burning in the elbow and the pain exacerbates with time. While most regular centers might neglect the symptoms and advise pain-relieving medications, the best orthopedic centres will go in favour of an elaborate diagnosis and then suggest the appropriate procedures. One might have to undergo tests like X-ray, MRI and EMG for the diagnosis. Depending on the intensity, non-surgical or surgical procedures will be advised.

While the minor cases can be taken care of with adequate rest, avoidance of physical therapy, usage of braces or even Extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Depending on the intensity and response to the non-surgical procedures, the doctor recommends the most apt surgical procedure. Although in most cases, it shall involve removing diseased muscle and reattaching healthy muscle back to bone, there might be other options like open surgery or arthroscopic surgery as well.

Trusting Vikram Hospital, one of the best Orthopedics hospital in Bangalore, will not just help you in arriving on the most apt procedure for yourself but also ensure that the rehabilitation process is made smooth and the chances of side-effects are minimized.