Patient case: Lateral Epicondylitis
A 40-year-old man presents with a 6-month history of pain and discomfort on the outer part of his right elbow. He reports that the pain started gradually after he began working part-time as a handyman, performing repetitive tasks like painting and using hand tools. The pain worsens when he grips objects, shakes hands, or extends his arm.
On physical examination, tenderness is noted over the lateral epicondyle, and pain is reproduced with resisted wrist extension and the Cozen's test. There is no swelling, and the range of motion in the elbow is normal. The patient has no significant past medical history or previous elbow injuries.
Based on the clinical findings, he is diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). The treatment plan includes rest, the use of a forearm brace to reduce strain, and physical therapy focused on stretching and strengthening exercises. The patient is also advised to modify his activities to prevent further irritation of the elbow. If symptoms do not improve, a corticosteroid injection may be considered.
a). Numbness in the fingers
b). Pain on the outer part of the elbow
c). Swelling in the forearm
d). Stiffness in the shoulder
a). Playing sports
b). Repetitive tasks related to handyman work
c). Lifting heavy weights at the gym
d). Typing on a computer
a). Tenderness over the medial epicondyle
b). Pain with resisted wrist extension
c). Positive Tinel's sign over the ulnar nerve
d). Limited range of motion in the shoulder
a). Surgery
b). Rest, forearm brace, and physical therapy
c). Corticosteroid injections
d). Complete immobilization of the elbow
