Early Results of Kinesio Taping and Steroid Injections in Elbow Lateral Epicondylitis: A Randomized, Controlled Study

Abstract

Background and objectives: This study prospectively compares early results of Kinesio tape (KT) as an alternative method for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis with those of corticosteroid injection and the rest-and-medication group (RMG). Materials and methods: Among the fifty patients (53 elbows), KT was applied to 20 patients (21 elbows), and corticosteroid injection (CSI) was applied to 15 patients (17 elbows). Fifteen patients were included in the RMG. Patients in the RMG were informed about their condition, and necessary warnings were given. No oral or topical treatments were recommended. If needed, paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were prescribed. Patients were classified according to the Nirschl scores and evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS); Quick Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QDASH); and the Turkish version of the Patient Related Elbow Evaluation (PREE-T). Results: Improvements in all scores were statistically significant in all groups at the end of the second week. At the end of the fourth week, there was also a statistically significant improvement in all three groups, but these improvements were not as high as they were in the first 2 weeks. There was a slight deterioration in the functional scores in the RMG and CSI groups, while the improvement in the KT group continued. In the KT group, the average QDASH score was 18.1 (4.5–35), the VAS score was 2 (1–3), the VAS score in resisted wrist extension was 4 (2–5) and the Nirschl score was 2 (1–3) at the fourth week. The KT group had significant superiority in these parameters over the RMG (p = 0.035, p = 0.035, p = 0.029, p = 0.035, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between the KT, the RMG and the CSI groups at the fourth week. Conclusions: CSI, KT and rest-and-medication treatments were all effective in terms of pain reduction and functional scores at the end of week 2, and the only treatment that continued to be effective in the final week was KT.

Evaluation of Curative Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Rubbing Combined with “Four-Step Tendon Regulating and Bone Setting” Manipulation in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis of Humerus Based on Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation

“…The purpose is to relieve the adhesion of elbow tendon tissue, help patients relieve pain symptoms, restore normal joint shape and move freely, and finally achieve the goal of treating both symptoms and root causes [17][18]. The specific mechanism of manipulation is to stimulate the activity of inflammatory factors in local muscles through muscle stretching, thus reducing muscle stiffness, inducing blood vessel repair and reducing muscle oxygen demand during exercise, thus improving muscle cell vitality and enhancing muscle cell activity [19][20][21].…”

Physical therapy intervention versus corticosteroid injection for lateral elbow tendinopathy. Does slow and steady win the race? – A systematic review

“…In several studies, 20,[22][23][24][25]28,30,31 a single injection application at the most tender site was performed. Variably, the two to three injection application at different follow-ups and technique of application at different tender sites till the pain-free elbow range of motion was achieved in three studies.…”

“…Lateral elbow tendinopathy resolves within 1 year as told by Cyriax earlier. 6 Erpala et al 24 reported outcomes for a follow-up of 4 weeks where CSI, RMG, and KT were the same.…”

Efektifitas Neuromuscular Taping (NMT) sebagai Terapi Non-Farmakologi pada Penderita Carpal Tunnel Syndrome di RS Saiful Anwar, Malang: Sebuah Laporan Kasus

“…pemberian obat-obatan, semuanya efektif dalam hal pengurangan nyeri dan skor fungsional pada akhir minggu ke-2, dan satusatunya pengobatan yang terus efektif sampai minggu ke-4 adalah pada kelompok taping. 4 Kami laporkan laporan kasus efektivitas NMT pada kasus seorang wanita dengan CTS bilateral yang dilakukan NMT selama 2 minggu dengan pemasangan sebanyak tiga kali dan didapatkan perbaikan dari keluhan pasien yang terlihat dari perbaikan skor NRS pasien.…”

“…Studi oleh Erpala dkk, membandingkan hasil antara taping dan injeksi steroid pada epikondilitis siku, didapatkan injeksi steroid, taping, maupun pemberian obatobatan, semuanya efektif dalam hal pengurangan nyeri dan skor fungsional pada akhir minggu ke-2, dan satu-satunya pengobatan yang terus efektif sampai minggu ke-4 adalah pada kelompok taping. 4 Pemberian injeksi kortikosteroid jangka panjang dapat mempengaruhi kemampuan reparatif jaringan, sehingga menunda proses self-limiting dari jaringan dengan mencegah pelepasan sitokin. 8 Selain itu, efek samping seperti infeksi, reaksi alergi, osteonekrosis, ruptur tendon, dan cedera saraf atau tendon harus dipertimbangkan.…”