“Taming The Big Bad Wolf” - Elbow Tendinitis
Posted: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
by Edward Holtman, D.C.
Tennis Elbow: Epicondylitis or tendinosis
"Tennis elbow" is the condition that made tendinitis famous. Fifty years ago no one knew much about tennis elbow or tendinitis. However, in recent years tendinitis and tennis elbow has become so prevalent that almost everyone knows someone who has it, has had it, or will have it.
Nationally there are about 400,000 cases of tendinitis and tennis elbow being seen each month by the various health professionals. Notice, we said being seen, not being cured. As a result, many of these cases are repeats simply because they aren't achieving the results they had expected.
It is difficult to say what dollar amount is being spent on temporary relief, which is all that has been available until now.
What is a Tendon, and what does it do?
A Tendon is a cable-like fibrous tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone. Tendons are usually proximal (close) to a joint, so that with a proper nerve supply to the tendon and muscle, it allows us to move that joint, arm and leg, fingers and toes.
How do we develop Tendinitis?
1. Repetitive over-use.
Tradesmen, sportsmen and women, chiropractors, massage therapists, and computer operators, all are prime candidates for tendinitis. Problem- Tradesmen "fix" other people's problems; they expect someone else to "fix" them.
The truth is, that won't happen with tendinitis. They have to fix themselves! (With my help) and it's the best help out there!
2. Direct injury.
Patient falls or something falls on them.
3. Certain antibiotics and cholesterol lowering drugs.
Fluorguinolones (brand name Cipro.), Floxin, and Levaquin. Can cause tendinitis. These drugs can inflame or even rupture tendons. Cholesterol lowering drugs such as Zocor, Lipitor, Baycol. Pravachol, Lescol, and Mevacor can cause a condition known as rhabdomyolysis (deterioration of the muscles.)
If you have tendinitis and you are taking any of these drugs, or antibiotics, please speak to your doctor about it.
4. Maturity.
Because of advancing age, we all lose muscle mass, muscle strength, muscle tone, and elasticity (stretch). This adversely affects tendons even if you are not over-using them.
Things to avoid if you are diagnosed as having tendinitis:
1. Repetitive muscle work, if possible. (until you are well.)
2. Most physical therapists; Most P.T's "encourage" you to perform muscle work exercises as part of their therapy. This can impede your progress or even make you feel worse, because muscle work is often the cause of the problem.
3. Drugs (as mentioned previously.) But only with the approval of your physician.
4. Glucosamine Sulfate-DOESN'T help tendinitis.
What Can Be Done About This Condition?
My Theory: The true root of the tendinitis and tennis elbow problem lies in the muscles. By concentrating more and proper rehabilitative effort on the muscles, much better results will ensue. We have proven this to be true!
Specific stretching exercises: {Developed by Dr. Edward Holtman, D.C.} The end result of stretching a muscle is relaxation of that muscle. This releases the stress on the tendon, and in time, relieves the tendon pain.
Proper use of heat.
Proper use of cold.
Proper use of vibration.
Supplement support.
Dr. Holtman knows exactly how you feel. For more information: http://www.TendonRelief.com/ or call 262-673-5650 after 10:30 A.M. CST M-Sat.
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