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The forearm stretches from the elbow to the wrist. Tendons located in the joints at both ends of the forearm enable movement and support the function of bones and muscles. Forearm tendonitis involves inflammation of the tendons connecting the elbow to the forearm and wrist. If you suspect you have forearm tendonitis, seek medical attention for diagnosis and treatment. Alternatively, you can evaluate the condition yourself when experiencing pain or discomfort in the forearm.
Steps
Observe Symptoms
Identify symptoms of forearm tendonitis. Pain from tendonitis is often felt around the tendons near the elbow. Common terms for this condition include Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow. Symptoms of forearm tendonitis may include:
- Mild swelling in the forearm
- Pain during activity or when pressing on the tendons
- A dull, persistent ache
- Frequent pain when moving the affected arm
Check for Medial Epicondylitis. Medial Epicondylitis, also known as Golfer's Elbow, refers to inflammation on the inner side of the elbow caused by overuse of the flexor muscles. Repetitive motions that strain the tendons increase the risk of this condition. Symptoms include:
- Pain starting at the elbow and radiating down the forearm
- Stiffness in the arm
- Increased pain when flexing or bending the wrist
- Severe pain during specific actions like opening jars or shaking hands
Check for Lateral Epicondylitis. Lateral Epicondylitis, commonly called Tennis Elbow, involves inflammation on the outer side of the elbow. Pain arises from repetitive motions involving the extensor muscles. Symptoms often start as mild discomfort and progress to severe pain over months, without a clear injury. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or burning sensation on the outer elbow and forearm
- Weak grip strength
- Worsening symptoms with overuse, such as during racket sports, using a wrench, or shaking hands
Consider the causes of forearm tendonitis
Determine if symptoms occur in one or both arms. Forearm tendonitis often affects the dominant arm but can involve both. Tendonitis occurs in the tendons subjected to the most frequent stress.
- Tendonitis can affect either the extensor or flexor tendons but rarely both simultaneously. Repetitive motions that heavily strain these tendons lead to inflammation.
Identify repetitive motions contributing to Lateral Epicondylitis. This condition often arises from applying force with the elbow extended. While tennis is a common cause, using lighter rackets and a two-handed backhand can reduce risk. Other contributing activities include:
- Repeatedly lifting heavy objects or using heavy tools
- Jobs involving gripping, twisting, or precision movements
- New or unfamiliar activities, such as gardening for the first time, carrying a baby, or moving house
Identify repetitive motions that may contribute to Medial Epicondylitis. Although named after the sport of golf, Medial Epicondylitis can also result from other activities involving gripping or throwing, such as baseball, football, archery, or javelin throwing. Other actions that may cause this condition include:
- Performing repetitive elbow movements, such as using a computer, gardening, chopping wood, or painting
- Using vibrating tools
- Using a racket that is too small or heavy for your ability or overexerting during spin shots
- Engaging in repetitive activities for over an hour daily, such as weightlifting, cooking, hammering, raking, or woodcutting
Treating Forearm Tendonitis
Seek immediate treatment. While not life-threatening, forearm tendonitis can hinder your ability to participate in activities or perform tasks for weeks or months due to pain and discomfort. Without treatment, tendonitis can increase the risk of tendon rupture, a more severe condition requiring surgical repair.
- Persistent tendonitis over months can lead to tendon degeneration, negatively impacting the tendon and causing abnormal growth of new blood vessels.
- Long-term complications of Lateral Epicondylitis may include recurrent injuries, tendon rupture, and difficulty recovering through surgical or non-surgical methods due to nerve compression in the forearm.
- Long-term complications of Medial Epicondylitis may result in chronic pain, restricted movement, and persistent or prolonged elbow curvature.
Consult a doctor. If you suspect tendonitis, seek medical evaluation and treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment improve the chances of successful recovery.
- To diagnose forearm tendonitis, your doctor will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination.
- X-rays may be ordered if you have a history of injury prior to the onset of pain.
Discuss treatment options with your doctor. After diagnosis, your doctor will recommend treatments to reduce pain and improve arm mobility. Follow their guidance and ask questions if you have concerns about the treatment plan.
- Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and improve arm function.
- You may need a brace to support the forearm and reduce stress on muscles and tendons. The brace stabilizes or supports the forearm, depending on severity.
- Corticosteroid injections around the forearm tendons may reduce inflammation and pain. However, repeated injections over three months can weaken tendons and increase the risk of rupture.
Ask your doctor about Plasma therapy. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment involves drawing blood, spinning it to isolate platelets, and then injecting the platelets into the affected tendon area.
- Although still under research, this method has shown benefits in treating certain chronic tendon issues. Discuss with your doctor to determine if this option is suitable for you.
Explore physical therapy. Your doctor may recommend combining physical therapy with other tendonitis treatments. During physical therapy, you’ll learn forearm stretches to reduce muscle tension, which is crucial as tension contributes to small tendon tears.
- Occupations or hobbies requiring gripping, repetitive hand/wrist movements, or strain on extensor/flexor muscles can cause tension, leading to tendonitis.
- A physical therapist may suggest deep friction massage to stimulate natural healing substances in the tendon. This safe and gentle technique can be easily learned from a therapist.
Watch for severe symptoms. In some cases, tendonitis may require urgent medical attention. Recognize severe symptoms to seek immediate treatment. Seek emergency care if:
- The elbow is hot, inflamed, and accompanied by fever
- You cannot bend the elbow
- The elbow appears deformed
- You suspect a fracture or broken bone due to forearm injury
Support recovery with home remedies. While medical diagnosis and treatment are essential, you can use home remedies to alleviate mild tendonitis pain. Consult your doctor to ensure these methods are appropriate. You can reduce tendonitis pain by:
- Resting the affected joint and avoiding activities that aggravate it
- Applying ice wrapped in a towel to the painful area 3-4 times daily for 10 minutes each
- Using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like Naproxen (Aleve) or Ibuprofen (Motrin)
Tips
- If you cannot visit a doctor immediately, call to ask for advice on relieving pain while waiting. Your doctor may recommend rest, applying ice wrapped in a towel to the arm, and elevating the inflamed joint to reduce swelling.
Warnings
- Be cautious of serious risks associated with steroid injections. While steroid injections often reduce pain and discomfort, allowing increased joint use, overusing the injured joint can lead to deeper damage or tendon rupture. Tendon rupture is often accompanied by severe pain, muscle weakness, bruising, inability to use the joint, and, in some cases, joint deformity.
