Despite being known as “tennis elbow”, lateral epicondylitis is a very common disease among teachers. Macário dos Santos Neto, 53 years old, was away from the classroom for 90 days because of inflammation. He teaches mathematics at the Centro de Ensino Médio 01 do Gama, in the Federal District.
Lateral epicondylitis is an inflammation of the forearm tendons attached to the outside of the elbow. The disease is caused by repetitive movements like typing, drawing or writing excessively.
Orthopedist Leandro Gervazoni, from Hospital Santa Marta, in Brasília, says that lateral epicondylitis is one of the main complaints heard in orthopedics offices. “There is a relationship between the disease and some professions, a teacher is one of them. The repetitive strain of writing on the board all day leads to the problem,” he explains.
Treatment of lateral epicondylitis begins with rest, suspension or restriction of activities, and analgesics for pain relief.Disclosure
Leandro Gervazoni, performing shock wave therapies on a patient by angleThe patient can also undergo physical therapy, as well as injections, shock wave therapy (SWT) and even surgical procedures.Disclosure
Man having elbow ache and muscle pain due to lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow. injuries and medical concept0
In Macário’s case, the suffering began following 15 years in the classroom. “During the crises, the pain was so intense that it disturbed my sleep”, details the resident of the DF. Everyday tasks like typing papers on the computer or driving were extremely taxing for him.
The math teacher acknowledges that he neglected the problem at first. However, over time, his arm became so swollen and movement was so restricted that it was necessary to seek medical help.
Treatment
The first way to treat lateral epicondylitis is anti-inflammatory drugs. But, in the case of the educator, the drugs lost their effect and he also needed injections.
The pain, however, continued to affect Macário’s quality of life. The doctors then decided to undergo surgery. Between the onset of symptoms and the operation, he says he had to be removed from the classroom more than once and that, in total, he spent 90 days without exercising his profession.
Prevention
To avoid epicondylitis, in general, it is important to improve posture and strengthen muscles. While using the computer, for example, the forearm should be supported on the table, periodic breaks and stretching should also be taken.
The orthopedist points out that the disease becomes a problem when it starts to affect the patient’s life. “When it’s difficult, for example, to pick up a bag from the floor or lift a water bottle”, says Gervazoni.
Treatment includes rest, suspension or restriction of activities, and analgesics for pain relief. The patient can also undergo physiotherapy, as well as injections, shock wave therapy (TOC) and, as a last resort, try the surgical procedure.
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