What is a medial epicondyle injection for?

A medial epicondyle injection is a procedure in which medications are injected into the elbow joint to treat diseases of the joint.
There are different types of medial epicondyle injections. The most common type of an intra-articular medial epicondyle injection is with corticosteroids. Other agents used are hyaluronic acid, infliximab botulinum neurotoxin (Botox), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Elbow joint (medial epicondyle) pain and stiffness can be debilitating and difficult to treat. Elbow conditions may negatively affect the quality of life and emotional well-being. Approaches used for treating elbow pain include
- exercise,
- physiotherapy,
- medications,
- medial epicondyle injections, and
- surgery.
Medial epicondyle pain can result from
- ligament or tendon injury,
- fracture,
- cartilage loss in osteoarthritis, and
- inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory arthritis or septic arthritis.
Medial epicondyle pain can also be due to joint malalignment or dysfunction and referred pain from other areas. Medial epicondyle diseases can be diagnosed based on clinical presentation, radiographic tests and joint aspiration (arthrocentesis).
Why is a medial epicondyle injection done?
A medial epicondyle injection is used to treat various diseases of the elbow joint. The type of medication injected and frequency depend on the condition being treated. Based on the diagnosis and extent of the disease, the doctor would recommend a treatment plan.
Indications for the various agents used for medial epicondyle injections are mentioned below:
Steroid injections
These help to relieve pain and inflammation in individuals with
- Osteoarthritis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Acute monoarticular gout or pseudogout
- Rheumatoid arthritic elbows
- Infliximab injections
- Infliximab suppresses inflammation and can be used to treat the following:
- Elbow monoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spondyloarthropathy (ankylosing spondylitis)
Infliximab injections
Infliximab suppresses inflammation and can be used to treat the following:
- Elbow monoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spondyloarthropathy (ankylosing spondylitis)
Hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is naturally present in the joints, eyes, and skin. HA levels decrease with age, leading to joint friction and arthritis. HA elbow injections lubricate the joint, decrease friction, decrease impact, delay joint aging, and reduce pain and stiffness. HA is used for treating:
- Elbow osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Botox injections
- Botox inhibits the sensory neurons causing pain. Hence, joint function improves, significantly reducing pain and stiffness.
- Platelet-rich plasma injections
- Platelet-rich plasma is obtained from the patient’s own blood. It contains growth factors that stimulate collagen formation and lubricate the joint. Platelet-rich plasma can improve joint function and reduce pain.
Botox injections
- Botox inhibits the sensory neurons causing pain. Hence, joint function improves, significantly reducing pain and stiffness.
Platelet-rich plasma injections
- Platelet-rich plasma is obtained from the patient’s own blood. It contains growth factors that stimulate collagen formation and lubricate the joint. Platelet-rich plasma can improve joint function and reduce pain.

QUESTION
The term arthritis refers to stiffness in the joints. See AnswerHow is epicondyle injection administered?
A medial epicondyle injection is a quick procedure and may be performed under local anesthesia to avoid pain. A needle of an appropriate size and length connected to a syringe is introduced into the joint, and the medicine is injected. Radiological guidance may sometimes be used to aid in injection.
After the procedure, the patient would need to rest for a few minutes, soon after which they can resume normal activities. Patients may experience pain, swelling, and bruising, which will get resolved in a few days. Ice packs and pain killers can help reduce pain and bruising.
It is advised to keep the area clean and dry for 48 hours after the injection to avoid complications.
How long does it take for a medial epicondyle injection to work?
The time taken for medial epicondyle injections to work depends on the medicine injected. Different medications have different durations of onset and longevity.
- Steroids: These take two to three days following the injection for patients to observe the relief of symptoms. In case of severe joint disease, it may take longer for the effects to begin. Steroid elbow injections are usually injected three to four times a year because the effects last for six to 12 weeks.
- Hyaluronic acid: This takes three to four weeks to observe the effects of pain relief after the initial injection. The effects last for two to six months, after which the injection would have to be repeated.
- Platelet-rich plasma: This takes longer for its action on the joints to begin, which is approximately six months, but the results are more superior and effects last longer than those of hyaluronic acid.
- Infliximab: This may take a few days up to two to six weeks for the effects to begin after the first treatment. The treatment can be repeated every eight weeks.
- Botox: This takes three to 14 days to observe pain relief, and the results last for approximately three months.
What are the complications of a medial epicondyle injection?
Complications are rare and can usually be resolved. Some common complications are:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Risk of tendon rupture due to frequent injections
- A hypopigmented (light-colored) patch on the skin
- Osteoporosis of bones (thinning of bones) due to serial injections
- Nerve damage due to injections
Medscape Medical Reference
Top What Is a Medial Epicondyle Injection For Related Articles
Arthritis (Joint Inflammation)
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness and pain. There are over 100 types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout.Arthritis: 16 Bad Habits That Cause Joint Pain
Being overweight, wearing uncomfortable shoes, or carrying a heavy purse can make joint pain and arthritis symptoms worse. Some bad habits increase inflammation and put you at risk of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Protect joints and muscles and prevent swelling and joint disorders by eliminating these joint problem bad habits.Physical and Occupational Therapy for Arthritis
Physical therapy can help a patient with arthritis to work out stiffness without damaging their joints. Occupational therapy teaches the patient how to reduce joint strain during daily activities. Those receiving occupational or physical therapy will learn about their arthritis, be given a dietary plan if they are overweight, get foot care advice, and learn methods of relieving discomfort.Gout
Buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint causes gouty arthritis. Symptoms and signs include joint pain, swelling, heat, and redness, typically of a single joint. Gout may be treated with diet and lifestyle changes, as well as medication.Osteoarthritis (OA or Degenerative Arthritis)
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative arthritis, is a type of arthritis caused by inflammation, breakdown, and eventual loss of cartilage in the joints. Osteoarthritis can be caused by aging, heredity, and injury from trauma or disease.OA & Your Joints
Dealing with joint pain and arthritis? Learn why weight matters--and why NOT to stretch before exercise. See these solutions for joint pain and tips to protect your joints from damage.Osteoarthritis Slideshow
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease most often affecting major joints such as knees, hands, back, or hips. Osteoarthritis symptoms include pain, swelling and joint inflammation.Osteoarthritis Quiz
How does osteoarthritis differ from other types of arthritis? Learn about osteoarthritis with this quiz.Osteoarthritis vs. Osteoporosis Differences and Similarities
Arthritis is defined as painful inflammation and joint stiffness. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis and the most common cause of chronic joint pain, affecting over 25 million Americans. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that involves the entire joint. Osteoporosis is not a type of arthritis. It is a disease that mainly is caused by a loss of bone tissue that is not limited to the joint areas. It is possible for one person to have both osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. The differences in the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis include; pain, stiffness, and joint swelling, joint deformity, crackle sounds when the joint is moving, and walking with a limp. Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" because it can progress for years without signs and symptoms before it is diagnosed, severe back pain, bone fractures, height loss, and difficulty or inability to walk. The differences in the causes of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are that osteoarthritis usually is caused by wear and tear on the joints. Osteoporosis usually is caused by one or more underlying problems, for example, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies. Treatment for osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are not the same. There is no cure for osteoarthritis or osteoporosis.Psoriatic Arthritis Picture
Psoriatic arthritis is a specific condition in which a person has both psoriasis and arthritis. See a picture of Psoriatic Arthritis and learn more about the health topic.Psoriatic Arthritis Quiz
How is psoriatic arthritis related to psoriasis? Take this quiz to find out!Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis is a chronic, systemic rheumatic disease characterized by three conditions, including conjunctivitis, joint inflammation, and genital, urinary, or gastrointestinal system inflammation. Inflammation leads to pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and stiffness of the affected joints. Non-joint areas may experience irritation and pain. Treatment for reactive arthritis depends on which area of the body is affected. Joint inflammation is treated with anti-inflammatory medications.Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body.16 Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Signs & Symptoms
Early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms and signs vary differently from person to person. The most common body parts that are initially affected by RA include the small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet, and the knees and hip joints. Joint inflammation causes stiffness. Warmth, redness, and pain may vary in degree.RA Slideshow
What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Learn about treatment, diagnosis, and the symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Discover rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes and the best medication for RA and JRA.RA Quiz
How is rheumatoid arthritis different from other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and gout? Take the Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Quiz to rest your RA IQ.Rheumatoid Arthritis vs. Fibromyalgia
Though rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia have similar symptoms, RA is an autoimmune disease and fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome. RA symptoms include joint redness, swelling, and pain that lasts more than 6 weeks. Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread pain, tingling feet or hands, depression, and bowel irritability. Home remedies for both include stress reduction, exercise, and getting enough sleep.Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis, or infectious arthritis, is infection of one or more joints by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms and signs of septic arthritis include fever, joint pain, chills, swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness. Treatment involves antibiotics and the drainage of the infected joint.