Lateral Epicondyle Tendinopathy Toolkit: Section B - Clinical Assessment
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Top Contributors - Nupur Smit Shah, Cindy John-Chu, Kim Jackson, Rishika Babburu and Vidya Acharya
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
The purpose of this document is to summarize the clinical assessment of the patient diagnosed with lateral epicondyle tendinopathy.
Initially , the assessment consist of history, objective and subjective examination, chief complains in order to confirm the diagnosis. The tool kit will even include differential diagnosis, the process of identifying causes/risk factors of Achilles tendinopathy and functional examination.
Risk factors[edit | edit source]
Modifiable risk factors
- Lifestyle
- Smoking
- Active individuals/athletic population : Overuse due to repetition of any occupational or recreational activity.
- Reduced grip strength
- Improper tennis grip size or poor back hand technique
- Forceful gripping activity at work
- Inactive /sedentary lifestyle population : decreased loading capacity of the tendon
- Reduced rotator cuff weakness on the same side.
Non-modifiable risk factors
- Age (> 40 years)
- Gender (F>M)
- Metabolic disorders like hyperglycemia
- Cardiovascular risk factors
Assessment[edit | edit source]
Things to look out during the assessment of tennis elbow patient is complete history, subjective examination, objective examination, biopsychological factors and differential diagnosis.
Subjective Assessment[edit | edit source]
- Subjective symptoms
- Symptoms increases during activity.
- Extensor muscles weakness and reduced grip strength
- Pain is usually localized on the lateral elbow or sometimes referred to extensor or supinator groups of forearm.
- History
- Lateral elbow pain which is related to over use.
- Biopsychological factors
- It may involve behavioral or psychosocial factors which in turn contributes to neural sensitivity.
- The evidence states that psychological involvement can increase the symptoms of tennis elbow.
- Objective Signs
Upper quadrant examination | Factors of contribution |
---|---|
Cervical | Neuropathy, Radiculopathy |
Shoulder | Weakness of rotator cuff, Neuopathic tender points, Myofascial trigger points |
Elbow , Forearm | Weak grip strengh, Neuropathic tender points, Myofascial trigger points |
Neurodynamics | Radial bias |
Resources[edit | edit source]
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- numbered list
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