Epicondylitis--medial and lateral are more commonly known as golfer’s elbow (medial) and tennis elbow (lateral). These conditions are caused by overuse of the tendons that is often related to racquet sports, golfing and sports that require throwing. Medial epicondylitis not only affects golfers, but also is sometimes seen in weight lifters, archers and bowlers.
Medial epicondylitis or golfers elbow occurs when the tendons on the inner side of the elbow become inflamed. Lateral epicondlyitis or tennis elbow occurs when the tendons on the outside of the elbow become inflamed. Epicondylitis--medial and lateral symptoms include pain that may radiate down into the forearm and wrist, weakness of the forearm, pain when extending the wrist, pain when gripping, inability to hold objects and pain that worsens over time.
Common causes of medial and lateral epicondylitis include using improper technique such as poor serving while playing tennis, not warming up adequately and improper equipment that increases stress on the elbow. If the elbow has poor flexibility, poor endurance and weakness, these conditions can raise the risks of developing epicondylitis.
Medial and lateral epicondylitis can usually be treated successfully with traditional treatments such as resting the arm, applying ice, stretching and strengthening exercises and an over-the-counter medication. If symptoms do not improve over time with conservative treatment, surgery is sometimes needed. The pain associated with these conditions can often last for months and sometimes pain can become chronic.
When pain becomes chronic or surgical repair is required, many orthopedic doctors are choosing a new and innovative orthopedic and regenerative medicine treatment. The Institute of Regenerative and Molecular Orthopedics is leading the way in this new hybrid orthopedic treatment and regenerative medicine, which involves using stem cell treatment, platelet rich plasma treatment, growth factors and supplements that are injected into the affected area to dramatically improve inflammation, pain and promote healing. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment for epicondylitis--medial and lateral normally consist of an injection of platelet rich plasma with Human Growth Hormone.
When a patient is receiving a platelet rich plasma injection, blood is drawn from the patient. It is then spun to separate platelets from other components of the blood and re-injected into the inflamed area. With this treatment, growth factors are increased to promote healing, reduce pain and inflammation. The entire healing process with PRP takes about one to three months. Stem cell treatment is done the same way, although the specimen must be collected from the bone marrow of the patient, usually at the pelvis area.