Elbow Pain
When to refer
- Unsure of diagnosis: Consider: Soft tissue problem: Epicondylitis
(Tennis or Golfer's elbow) Arthritis: Inflammatory/Degenerative
Referred Pain: C7 root pain
- Epicondylitis
Acute - rest, ice, splintage, NSAIDS, avoidance of activity -
physio
If not improved with single injection (suggest Hydrocortisone
Acetate 25mg + 2ml 2% Lignocaine) Site: Tender area , usually
sited around lateral epicondyle
- Perhaps use epicondylar clamp (from appropriate shops or
refer to Appliances)
- Physiotherapy pre-referral.
- If joint is locking, X-Ray. If loose body is present refer
to Orthopaedics unless part of general arthritis. Rheumatology
Referral
Investigations
- Xray target area
- (Epicondylitis - X-Ray if symptoms persist after 6 weeks to
exclude calcification)
Special Points
- Persistent ulnar nerve symptoms - paraesthesia of little/ring
fingers - refer to Orthopaedics (A.J. Simison) especially if muscle
wasting or weakness of small muscles of hand.
Document Information
Expiry Date: 11/04/04
Author: Kennedy Tom Dr
Organisation: Arrowe Park Hospital
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