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Anconeus Muscle: Elbow Pain

The anconeus is a small muscle found in the elbow. Anconeus trigger point pain concentrates toward the outside of the elbow and sometimes extends into the point of the elbow.

Contents of Article

    Where Is The Anconeus Muscle?

    anconeus-muscle2

    The anconeus connects the humerus (bone in the upper arm) to the ulna bone in the forearm.

    What Movements Does It Control?

    • Straightens the elbow

    For detailed muscle anatomy: Anconeus Anatomy

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    What Pain and Symptoms Are Associated With The Anconeus Muscle?

    Anconeus Muscle Referred Pain Pattern
    • Pain is localized toward the outside of the arm and around the point of the elbow.

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    What Causes Trigger Points In the Anconeus?

    • Sitting with your upper body propped up on your elbows
    • Forced and repetitive gripping of a large and/or wide object
    • Extreme sudden hard extension (straightening) of the elbow
    • Extreme or repetitive pushing motions
    • Extreme and repetitive rotating motions of the arm
    • Golfing (non-dominate arm)
    • Tennis (dominant arm)
    • Rowing motions

    TWD Recommends

    The BandIT Forearm Band is worn by many professional athletes to prevent and relieve muscle pain caused by repetitive motions of the elbow and wrist. The BandIT uses selective pressure on the forearm muscles without cutting off circulation, limiting the range of motion or causing swelling around the band. Though I do not recommend this as a long-term treatment or for long-term wear, the BandIT can help relieve pain for athletes to help get through a game or for those who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome that wants pain relief while typing to make a deadline. Read and follow the enclosed instructions for temporary relief from forearm, wrist, hand, and finger pain.

    Anconeus Trigger Point Treatment

    TWD highly recommends The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook to learn how to find the trigger points and treat them. The workbook has instructions and diagrams that will teach you how to treat trigger point muscle pain throughout the body.

    Many massage therapists, physical therapists, and chiropractors have trained in trigger point therapy. They can show you how to locate and treat specific TrPs that are contributing to your pain pattern.

    Trigger points need several 1-2 minute treatments spread throughout the day for an optimal outcome.

    Blackriver & Bootsma Education has provided an excellent video demonstrating how to find the anconeus muscle.

    Using this video, you can learn how to find and palpate the anconeus muscle. Be aware that the area around the elbow is sensitive. Using too much pressure can cause a sensation similar to that you get when you hit your funny bone.

    Using firm but not hard digging pressure, search the area for exceptionally sore and tender spots. If you discover a tender spot, stop and hold the pressure for 10 seconds. If you experience tingling or the pain begins to increase, release the pressure as you may be compressing a nerve. Gently move the elbow around to see if it helped to relieve pain.

    You can repeat this treatment 2-3 times a day if it provides relief. Limit holding pressure to 10 seconds as longer times can contribute to bruising and increase your pain.

    Sombra Warm Therapy Gel is recommended for relaxing muscles and relieving pain. It warms without the burning heat of other gels. An excellent choice for pain caused by trigger points, muscle/joint over-use and stiffness, and arthritis. If you have reoccurring muscle cramps or pain, you should keep Somba on hand; it provides almost instant relief. (Not sold in stores)

    Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel is an excellent pain-relieving gel recommend for those who have sudden onset muscle pain or recent injuries.  It is better to use than warm therapy gels and creams for muscle pain caused by inflammation as it cools the area much like ice. If your pain is from a recent injury, use Biofreeze. It is excellent to use on sprains, strained and sore muscles, and joints.

    Interesting facts:

    • The anconeus is a prime contributor to tennis elbow.
    • Some anatomists believe that the anconeus is part of the triceps brachii muscle and not a separate muscle.

    Clinical diagnoses to which the anconeus muscle symptoms may contribute:

    • Lateral Epicondylitis
    • Tennis elbow
    • Strain/sprain of the elbow
    • Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
    • C6 or C7 radiculopathy

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    Other muscles that should be considered and examined:

    TWD Recommends

    Freeze Sleeve Cold Therapy Compression Sleeve is recommended by medical professionals for the treatment of injury and over-use soreness. The sleeve provides total circumference cold therapy and compression that other cold treatments do not offer. The sleeve slides on and features material that can be worn on bare skin, allowing you to be mobile during treatment.

    Muscles Which Contribute To These Conditions:

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    Muscles With Similar Pain Patterns

    Supinator Muscle
    Brachioradialis