In this blog, we will look at two of the most common types of elbow pain…
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Biceps Tendon Irritation
Biceps tendon irritation is also commonly referred to as bicep tendonitis, which is a general term used to describe injuries that occur to the biceps tendon, with most injuries happening as a result of overuse.
What is bicep tendonitis? This is when there is tissue damage to the biceps tendon, which then results in pain in the front of the elbow, and this pain can make it difficult for people to move their arm as they usually would. You may be wondering how this damage has happened; when the biceps are contracted, there is tension placed through the biceps tendon, and so when this tension is of a high force or excessive/repetitive, then damage can occur. It is important to get this seen to as quickly as possible, as you don’t want to run the risk of the problem getting worse, as it can lead to degeneration of the biceps tendon.
From bending the elbow against resistance to excessive lifting, there are various different causes of irritation to the biceps tendon, which is why an accurate diagnosis is so important. It could be that there is an internal problem, and so you may be referred to an internist. When you visit a physiotherapist, they will carry out a thorough assessment to get to the root of the problem, ensuring that they are able to put the most effective and efficient treatment plan together so that pain is alleviated in no time.
They will use an assortment of approaches to treat the problem, including a wide range of exercises and hand manipulation techniques, and they will also provide you with everything you need to know about self-care so that you can manage the condition effectively at home. This is imperative because when it comes to the success rate of treating bicep tendonitis, it largely comes down to patient compliance, as you will need to rest and carry out the simple exercises you are provided with.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
One condition that happens a lot of is tennis elbow, especially in patients between the age of 40 and 50 years old, although this is something that all ages can experience. This is an overuse injury, which is very similar to golfers elbow, yet golfers elbow concerns the inner aspects of the arm whereas tennis elbow affects the outer aspects.
Despite being called tennis elbow, there are many different ways you can end up experiencing this condition, as it simply arises from stress being placed on the forearm extensors. Patients have suffered from this condition as a result of working at a computer, chopping wood, painting, playing badminton and many other sports – with tennis included, as well as those who have been bricklaying or carrying out other forms of manual work.
There are several symptoms that are associated with tennis elbow, and one thing to bear in mind is that they get worse over time, so if you suspect you could be suffering from this condition you need to book a physiotherapy appointment as soon as possible, as you certainly don’t want to risk the problem getting even worse.
