Let me start off by saying that this post is a GUIDE ONLY - the problem outlined below is not a definitive diagnosis for all elbow pain, it is merely an outline of the most common kiter's arm problem:
KITER'S ELBOW
I am a Sports Physiotherapist based in QLD, Australia, and have recently suffered from a bit of kiter's elbow whilst I was conveniently on a tropical island holiday with my kite. The biggest thing that struck me about it was how much it can ruin your day, and how intense the pain can be. I have summarised below a few points about this condition, and how it can be treated, in an effort to help anyone else out there who suffers from it.
Kiter's elbow - what is it?
"Kiter's elbow" is a term used by kiters to describe tendonitis of the common extensor origin in the forearm. Essentially, it is clinically indestinguishable from "Lateral Epicondylalgia", which is commonly known as "Tennis Elbow".
There is some variation in the clinical presentation among patients, but the main feature is a pathological change in the structure of the tendinous attachment of the wrist extensor muscles - principally the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis, but often extending in to the surrounding musculature - the Extensor Digitorum and the Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus.
The main symptom is, of course, pain over the lateral aspect of the elbow, but often the patient complains of a dull ache throughout the whole elbow, which cannot be localised well. The pain is aggravated by repetitive gripping or lifting motions, and often extension of the wrist. It may come on slowly over the course of a kiting session, or can be initiated as soon as you do your first run.
The pain is accompanied by a marked loss of grip strength, which is due to neural inhibition of the musculature (your brain tells you to stop gripping things, because it's making the problem worse!). Often the patient will complain that they drop cups of coffee or cannot lift their suitcase.