Issue:
Activity-related soft tissue disorders are a major cause of work-related pain and disability. Often, the cause of the pain is not known and current treatments are usually palliative. If there are more sensory nerves and/or pain-producing substances and mast cells in the tendons of patients with lateral epicondylitis (LE), this study could guide the development of new, localized treatments for LE. A better understanding of the pathology could help inform policy and in the long term could lead to improved treatments aimed at the cause of LE as opposed to symptom treatment (such as painkillers) which is currently common.
Objectives:
Specific theories will be tested: a) that there are more sensory nerves and pain substances in the lateral elbow tendons of patients with lateral epicondylalgia; b) that there are more mast cells in the lateral elbow tendons of patients with lateral epicondylalgia; and, c) that sensory nerve products cause tendon cells to exhibit altered behavior which could worsen the pathology.
Anticipated Results:
The research will result in proving or disproving the above noted theories, allowing for the development of treatments directed at the cause(s) of this disorder.
Investigators:
Alex Scott (University of British Columbia)
