EPICONDYLALGIA Meaning and
Definition
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Epicondylalgia, also known as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the tendons that attach to the epicondyles, which are bony protrusions located at the end of the humerus bone in the elbow. The condition typically arises as a result of repetitive activities involving the forearm muscles, such as gripping, lifting, or repetitive arm movements.
Epicondylalgia is classified into two types based on the specific location of the affected tendons. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylalgia, involves the outer side of the elbow and the extensor muscles that help straighten the wrist. Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylalgia, affects the inner side of the elbow and the flexor muscles responsible for bending the wrist.
Common symptoms of epicondylalgia include pain, tenderness, and stiffness around the affected area, as well as weakness in the affected forearm and wrist. The pain may gradually worsen over time and may be exacerbated by activities involving hand and wrist movements. Diagnosis is usually made based on a clinical examination, medical history, and imaging tests to rule out other potential causes of elbow pain.
Treatment for epicondylalgia often includes a combination of conservative measures such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy exercises may also be recommended to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility. In severe or chronic cases, corticosteroid injections or surgical interventions may be considered as options to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
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Pain in an epicondyle of the humerus or in the tendons or muscles attached thereto.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EPICONDYLALGIA
- wpicondylalgia
- spicondylalgia
- dpicondylalgia
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- 4picondylalgia
- 3picondylalgia
- eoicondylalgia
- elicondylalgia
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- e0icondylalgia
- epucondylalgia
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- ep9condylalgia
- ep8condylalgia
- epixondylalgia
- epivondylalgia
- epifondylalgia
- epidondylalgia
Etymology of EPICONDYLALGIA
The term "epicondylalgia" is derived from Greek and consists of three components: "epi-" meaning "upon" or "on top of", "condyl-" meaning "knuckle" or "bump", and "-algia" meaning "pain".
Specifically, "epicondylalgia" refers to pain that occurs near the epicondyles, which are bony projections found on both sides of the elbow. It is commonly used to describe a condition known as "tennis elbow", which causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow.
