Epicondylitis Brace | Elbow Strap for Medial / Lateral Epicondyle Arm Pain & Tendonitis

What is Medial & Lateral Epicondylitis Medial epicondylitis (also known as golfer’s elbow or thrower’s elbow) and lateral epicondylitis (also known as tennis elbow ), are both types of elbow tendonitis that many people struggle with. Each condition is caused by overuse of the arm, especially during repetitive motion activities such as golf or tennis. This is why they are commonly known by those names! Overuse or injury causes tiny tears in the tendon that connects your elbow to your wrist. These tears cause swelling of the tendon and pain. Medial epicondylitis is characterized by pain on the inside of the elbow and forearm, while lateral epicondylitis refers to pain on the outside of the elbow and forearm. While these conditions are commonly known as golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow, they are not limited to athletes! Many jobs require repeated motions and can lead to an overuse injury like this. Occupations that often lead to medial and lateral epicondylitis include: Painters Carpenters Butchers Cooks Assembly line workers Some types of musicians Other forms of exercise like weightlifting can be the cause as well. How to Diagnose Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow Signs & Symptoms Lateral Epicondylitis is characterized by: Pain and Aching. Located on the outside of your elbow. This pain may eventually radiate from the outside of your elbow into your forearm and wrist. Weakness. You may experience weakness in your wrist and hands. Trouble with Certain Movements. You may experience difficulty with gripping, lifting, and turning a doorknob. Symptoms of golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) include: Pain. Located at your inner elbow, radiating through your wrist and pinky. Pain may worsen when flexing your wrist toward your forearm. Weakness. You may notice weakened grip strength. Tingling or Numbness. It is not uncommon to experience a tingling sensation extending from your elbow into one or more fingers — usually your ring and pinky fingers. Stiffness. Many people experience a stiff elbow and difficulty moving at the elbow joint. Epicondylitis Tests Lateral Epicondylitis Test Bend elbow at a 90-degree angle by your side Face palm down Spread fingers apart With free hand, press down on middle finger This test is positive if you experience sudden outer elbow pain Medial Epicondylitis Test Bend elbow at a 90-degree angle by your side with palm facing up With free hand, grab fingers Stretch fingers and wrist down toward floor at the same time Extend at elbow This test is positive if you experience sudden inner elbow pain 4 Treatment Options for Epicondyle Pain Below we detail 4 treatment options for tennis and golfer’s elbow pain. However, we strongly recommend seeking the advice of a health care professional if you’re experiencing inner or outer elbow pain. Wear an Elbow Tendonitis Strap for Epicondylitis What Does It Do? Our epicondylitis brace is designed to target, compress, and support the muscles that are causing your elbow pain or discomfort to provide relief and speed up recovery time. Shortly after beginning to wear this brace (along with plenty of the R.I.C.E treatment ), it should help reduce the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing, as well as inflammation around the elbow, allowing you to return to the sports and daily activities you love. How Does It Work? The extensor muscles in your forearm are attached to your upper arm bone (humerus) at a small point called the medial/lateral epicondyle. When you take part in repeated motion activities that cause these muscles to pull, it can cause irritation to the epicondyle over time. This is the point where people feel pain or discomfort that we call medial or lateral epicondylitis . This brace works to compress your extensor muscles slightly below the epicondyle, moving the point of tension and preventing pulling on the epicondyle. Perform Medial & Lateral Epicondylitis Exercises The initial steps in treating lateral epicondylitis should include reducing inflammation and resting the irritated muscles and tendons. Ice and compression provided by an elbow strap may also help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Once the swelling subsides, you can begin gentle exercises to strengthen your forearm muscles and prevent a recurrence. Be sure to check with your doctor or physical therapist to determine when you are ready to begin epicondylitis exercises. Try Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow Stretches Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) stretch: Extend your arm in front of you with your palm down. Bend your wrist, pointing your hand toward the floor. With your other hand, gently bend your wrist farther until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your forearm. Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times. The best lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) stretch: Extend your arm in front of you with your palm up. Use your other hand to hold the fingers of your outstretched hand and bend it back toward your body until you can feel it in your inner for