Tennis elbow
This is an umbrella term used to describe any problem or injury to the common extensor tendon...
Management consists of rest, ice, anti-inflammatories (as appropriate) and physiotherapy...
Chronic cases of tennis elbow may benefit from a steroid injection or, in the most severe cases, surgical intervention.
Golfers elbow
This term is used to encompass any problem involving the common flexor tendon...
As with tennis elbow, effective management requires a period of rest, ice, anti-inflammatories (if appropriate)...
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
Both conditions above can be viewed as repetitive strain disorders...
Repetitive strain can also present as a by-product of work-related activities...
However, it is essential that these problems are managed appropriately, and promptly...
Physiotherapy intervention can help to settle and fully manage these types of injuries...
Carpal tunnel syndrome
The carpal tunnel is an anatomical passageway through which 9 flexor tendons and the median nerve pass...
The most common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is as a result of overuse of the flexor tendons...
Some women may also be prone to developing carpal tunnel symptoms during pregnancy...
The most effective management of symptoms is through relative rest, anti-inflammatories, and physiotherapy...
It is worth mentioning here that as the median nerve originates from specific levels of the neck...
De Quervains syndrome
This is a condition which causes pain and swelling from the tendons along the thumb side of the wrist...
The cause of the syndrome is largely unknown...
Management is very much along the same lines as repetitive strain injuries...
Handlebar palsy – see our cycling injuries section.
