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Elbow tendonitis
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Very often the inflammation is caused by a tendon in the elbow joint area, and then doctors diagnose a disease called elbow tendonitis.
In the human musculoskeletal system, particularly dense connective tissue - tendons (in Latin, "tendo") - performs two important functions. Tendons attach muscles to bones and also transmit muscle contraction to bone levers, i.e., provide biomechanics of the entire musculoskeletal system. And although tendons are highly durable due to the predominance of fibrous collagen elements in their structure, inflammation - tendinitis - is also possible in them. The tendons in the knee, hip and shoulder joints are most vulnerable to the occurrence of inflammatory processes.
[ Causes of Elbow Tendinitis
Among the causes of elbow tendonitis, there are a variety of factors. First of all, it is prolonged overexertion of the elbow joint (for example, in athletes) or constant physical stress associated with repeated repetition of the same movements (in some professions).
Due to constant overloads, collagen fibers of tendons begin to deform up to partial destruction of tissues and their rupture. At the site of the tendon rupture, necrotic areas may appear - foci of inflammation, as well as calcium salt deposits, injuring nearby tissues.
Elbow tendonitis is often caused by trauma, especially in older people, when age-related changes in the body reduce collagen production and tendon elasticity.
The development of tendinitis of the elbow joint is facilitated by infections, rheumatoid processes in the joints (arthritis), metabolic disorders (in diabetes mellitus), and a general decrease in the body's immunity.
Symptoms of Elbow Tendinitis
Symptoms of elbow tendonitis may appear suddenly or may develop slowly over a long period of time.
The most typical and widespread symptom of elbow tendinitis is a feeling of pain, which can vary in intensity and character (aching, sharp, pulsating). The pain occurs when moving the arm, sometimes closer to night the pain intensifies, preventing the ability to fall asleep.
Due to damage to the tendon tissue and its inflammation, contracture (limited mobility) of the joint and crunching during movements are observed. If the area affected by inflammation is significant, the skin in the area of the diseased joint turns red and becomes hot to the touch.
Where does it hurt?
Diagnosis of Elbow Tendinitis
The diagnosis of this pathology of the musculoskeletal system is made on the basis of a medical examination of the patient with palpation of the elbow joint. In order to determine the degree of mobility of the affected limb and the localization of pain, the doctor also conducts special tests: hyperflexion test, supination, varus and valgus tension, compression syndrome, etc.
Since the clinical picture of elbow tendinitis is in many ways similar to other inflammatory processes of this localization, it is necessary to differentiate tendinitis from diseases such as osteochondritis, arthritis, osteoarthrosis, synovial chondromatosis, fasciitis, etc.
To exclude arthritis and osteoarthritis, a laboratory blood test is performed. The picture of the distribution of temperature fields in the tissues of the tendon and muscle (using thermography), the determination of pathological changes in the tissues and inflammatory foci in them (ultrasonography) also helps to clarify the diagnosis. In addition, an examination of the diseased hand can be performed using X-rays.
What do need to examine?
How to examine?
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Treatment of elbow tendonitis
The primary therapeutic goals of treating elbow tendonitis are to relieve the patient's pain and reduce inflammation of the tendon.
Treatment begins with resting the sore arm, using medical bandages, elastic bandages, immobilizing dressings to ensure the limb is immobile. It is recommended to apply cold (ice wrapped in a napkin) to the sore spot.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used to relieve pain and inflammation in the treatment of elbow tendinitis. For example, Nimesulide (synonyms - actasulide, aulin, mesulide, nise, nimesil, nimulide, etc.) is available in the form of 100 mg tablets for internal use and 0.1% gel for local therapy. This drug is prescribed by doctors for arthritis, arthrosis, osteoarthrosis, bursitis, enthesopathy, fever and pain of various etiologies.
Nimesulide is taken orally, one tablet twice a day - after meals, with a sufficient amount of liquid. The maximum daily dose of this drug is 400 mg (i.e. 4 tablets). The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor on an individual basis.
Nimesulide is usually well tolerated by patients, but it can also cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash and edema. Changes in the blood are also possible: anemia, leukopenia, agranulocytosis, decreased platelet levels.
The use of this drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to other anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs, gastric and duodenal ulcers, liver and kidney failure, heart failure, high blood pressure. Nimesulide is absolutely contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under 12 years of age.
The drug in the form of a gel is used externally by applying (without rubbing or bandaging) to the skin of the affected area three times a day.
It should be noted that in cases of particularly painful inflammation, parenteral administration of painkillers in combination with steroid hormones may be prescribed.
Treatment of elbow tendonitis associated with infection is carried out using antibacterial drugs prescribed by the attending physician.
Physiotherapy has a good therapeutic effect in relieving acute manifestations of elbow tendinitis, and after the pain has stopped, exercise therapy (especially stretching exercises) has a good therapeutic effect.
In those rare cases where conservative therapy does not produce the desired results, surgical treatment in the form of excision of the inflamed tendon may be used.
Prevention of Elbow Tendinitis
The main thing in preventing elbow tendonitis is to avoid excessive stress on the joints and long-term monotonous movements, as well as not making sudden movements and not lifting heavy objects while standing on straight legs.
To replenish the body with collagen, that is, to increase the elasticity of tendons, experts recommend eating beef and beef liver, chicken eggs, vegetable oils, dairy products, sea fish, citrus fruits, apricots, bell peppers, and nuts.
It is important to keep in mind that fatty foods, black tea, coffee, chocolate, oatmeal, sorrel and radish block the absorption of calcium and its entry into tendon and bone tissue. Hormonal contraceptives are also guilty of this.
Elbow Tendinitis Prognosis
If acute elbow tendinitis is not treated in time, the disease will become chronic with constant pain and significant limitation of hand mobility. In addition, the inflammatory process can go further and affect the entire joint and joint capsule.
Without adequate complex therapy, the prognosis for elbow tendonitis is not optimistic, since there is a real threat of irreversible degeneration of tendon tissue, its weakening and rupture even with moderate physical activity.