REHAB SERVICES Q: Why does the outside of my elbow hurt? A: Many things can cause elbow pain but if you are having localized pain in the outside or lateral part of your elbow it could be lateral epicondylitis which is better known as tennis elbow. The muscles in your forearm that raise your wrist and straighten your fingers originate on your lateral epicondyle which is the "small bump" on the outside of your elbow. Many times it is this bump that is very tender due to the tendon being inflamed. The musculature on the top of your forearm can also be tight and sore as well. Usually repetitive gripping and/or twisting with the elbow extended is what can eventually cause tennis elbow. The pain in the elbow can persist for months mainly because the blood supply to that area of the forearm is poor and every time an individual uses the effected arm it can irritate the epicondyle area which slows the healing process. There are several conservative measures that can be done to decrease elbow pain: icing, splinting the wrist, wearing an elbow strap, ultra sound, massage, and gentle strengthening to increase blood flow. Your doctor may suggest a cortisone shot or may have you try Occupational Therapy first. From an ergonomic standpoint, always try to avoid strong-repetitive gripping with your elbow extended. Also avoid lifting objects with your palm facing down. Both of these motions put extra stress on your wrist and finger extensor muscles. Rather, lift objects with your palm facing upwards to use the stronger muscles (flexors) in your forearm. If you are doing an activity that requires repetitive gripping try to put as much bend (flexion) in your elbow as possible to lessen the strain on the extensor muscles. If you have stubborn elbow pain that just won't go away ask your doctor to see the Occupational Therapists at Sanford Orthopedics to get you on your road to recovery. Mike Morris, OTR/L Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services SANFORD 1300 Anne Street NW Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org Bemidji REHAB SERVICES Q: Why does the outside of my elbow hurt? A: Many things can cause elbow pain but if you are having localized pain in the outside or lateral part of your elbow it could be lateral epicondylitis which is better known as tennis elbow. The muscles in your forearm that raise your wrist and straighten your fingers originate on your lateral epicondyle which is the "small bump" on the outside of your elbow. Many times it is this bump that is very tender due to the tendon being inflamed. The musculature on the top of your forearm can also be tight and sore as well. Usually repetitive gripping and/or twisting with the elbow extended is what can eventually cause tennis elbow. The pain in the elbow can persist for months mainly because the blood supply to that area of the forearm is poor and every time an individual uses the effected arm it can irritate the epicondyle area which slows the healing process. There are several conservative measures that can be done to decrease elbow pain: icing, splinting the wrist, wearing an elbow strap, ultra sound, massage, and gentle strengthening to increase blood flow. Your doctor may suggest a cortisone shot or may have you try Occupational Therapy first. From an ergonomic standpoint, always try to avoid strong-repetitive gripping with your elbow extended. Also avoid lifting objects with your palm facing down. Both of these motions put extra stress on your wrist and finger extensor muscles. Rather, lift objects with your palm facing upwards to use the stronger muscles (flexors) in your forearm. If you are doing an activity that requires repetitive gripping try to put as much bend (flexion) in your elbow as possible to lessen the strain on the extensor muscles. If you have stubborn elbow pain that just won't go away ask your doctor to see the Occupational Therapists at Sanford Orthopedics to get you on your road to recovery. Mike Morris, OTR/L Sanford Bemidji Rehab Services SANFORD 1300 Anne Street NW Bemidji, MN 56601 (218) 333-5898 www.bemidji.sanfordhealth.org Bemidji