Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Epicondylitis Medication

  • Author: Sharon J Gibbs, MD; Chief Editor: Rene Cailliet, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 18, 2012
 

Medication Summary

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), taken orally, are the medicines of choice for ME to help control pain and any associated inflammation. NSAIDs are used on average only for the first 7-10 days of the treatment period. For the patient, taking these medications with food may help to decrease the possible gastrointestinal side effects. The following list is not meant to be comprehensive but simply to provide examples of options.

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Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Class Summary

NSAIDs have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities. Their mechanism of action is not known, but they may inhibit cyclo-oxygenase activity and prostaglandin synthesis. Other mechanisms may exist as well, such as inhibition of leukotriene synthesis, lysosomal enzyme release, lipoxygenase activity, neutrophil aggregation, and various cell-membrane functions.

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Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin)

 

DOC for mild to moderate pain. Inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.

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Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Naprelan, Anaprox)

 

For the relief of mild to moderate pain; naproxen inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing the activity of cyclo-oxygenase, which is responsible for prostaglandin synthesis

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Etodolac (Lodine, Lodine XL)

 

For relief of mild to moderate pain; etodolac inhibits inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing the activity of cyclo-oxygenase, which is responsible for prostaglandin synthesis.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Sharon J Gibbs, MD  Physiatrist, Multidisciplinary Spine Practice at Texas Back Institute

Sharon J Gibbs, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, International Spine Intervention Society, Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: emedicine Honoraria Other

Coauthor(s)

Kenneth S Dauber, MD, PA  Consulting Staff, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Plano Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center

Kenneth S Dauber, MD, PA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Daniel D Scott, MD, MA  Associate Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Eastern Colorado Health Care System

Daniel D Scott, MD, MA is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, American Paraplegia Society, Association of Academic Physiatrists, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Physiatric Association of Spine, Sports and Occupational Rehabilitation

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Patrick M Foye, MD  Associate Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Co-Director of Musculoskeletal Fellowship, Co-Director of Back Pain Clinic, Director of Coccyx Pain Service (Tailbone Pain Service: www.TailboneDoctor.com), University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Jersey Medical School

Patrick M Foye, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, Association of Academic Physiatrists, and International Spine Intervention Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Kelly L Allen, MD  Medical Director, Medevals

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Rene Cailliet, MD  Professor-Chairman Emeritus, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Southern California School of Medicine; Former Director, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Santa Monica Hospital Medical Center

Rene Cailliet, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pain Medicine, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Pain Society, Association of American Medical Colleges, International Association for the Study of Pain, and Pan American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Medial epicondyle.
Strengthening exercises are performed once pain has subsided with active range of motion. The starting position (slight pronation) of an eccentric exercise for medial epicondylitis is shown. In order to prevent further injury, a trained therapist should instruct patients in exercises to confirm proper weight and technique. (The X indicates the medial epicondyle).
The eccentric exercise proceeds until full supination has been reached.
 
 
 
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