Short-Term Effects of Steroid Injection, Kinesio Taping, or Both on Pain, Grip Strength, and Functionality of Patients With Lateral Epicondylitis

A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective 

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of steroid injection and kinesio taping (KT) in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Design 

A total number of 84 patients were randomized into three groups. Group 1 was given steroid injection, group 2 received KT, and group 3 received both. Pain was measured using a visual analog scale, functional status was measured using a quick form of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, pain-free grip strength was measured using a dynamometer, and the pressure pain threshold was measured using an algometer. All evaluations were performed before treatment and at the third and twelfth weeks after the treatment.

Results 

Twenty-eight patients were included in each group. A statistically significant difference was found between the pretreatment and posttreatment evaluations of all groups in the third and twelfth weeks after treatment. When group 1 and group 2 were compared, there was a significant difference only in pain-free grip strength measured in the twelfth week. The results of treatment in group 3 patients were significantly better in almost all evaluation parameters compared with the other groups.

Conclusion 

In the treatment of lateral epicondylitis, KT alone was found to be as effective as steroid injection alone. However, co-administration of steroid injection and KT is more effective compared with each treatment alone.