Thursday, November 4, 2010

Steroid Injections and Tennis Elbow - Even Worse in the Long Term

In a study reported by the British medical journal the Lancet, corticosteroid injections eased the pain only during the first four weeks after the injections. By six months and at 12 months the effect had reversed to significantly favor no treatment. Even more telling was that repeated injections - ranging from 3 to 6 over 18 months - yielded poorer long term pain results than one injection.

In an accompanying editorial, the authors stated that there is insufficient evidence for the efficacy of steroid injections for Achilles and patellar tendinitis. 

So, what is the best way to prevent/treat these conditions?
1. Find a top coach and learn proper sports technique.
2. Find a practitioner of Active Release Technique and/or Graston Technique.
3. Find a top trainer and get a Functional Movement Screen and learn the corrective exercises necessary to help your body heal your condition.
4. Find a top sports nutritionist and review supplements - natural anti-inflammatories like bromelain or curcumin, Vitamin D, Omega 3's, magnesium, etc. 

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