Final answer:
The condition described is Epicondylopathy, also known as tennis elbow. It is often caused by repetitive motion that causes microtrauma to the tendon at the elbow joint. Adjusting work tasks may help prevent recurrence.
Step-by-step explanation:
In this patient's situation, the 36-year-old male warehouse worker, the complaint of pain and weakness in the elbow alongside the MRI showing inflammation of the tendon where it attaches to the bone indicate a condition known as Epicondylopathy. This condition, often caused by repetitive stress to the elbow joint (like lifting boxes daily at a warehouse job), results in microtrauma that sparks an inflammatory response from his body. This inflammation can cause severe pain, and in some cases, could potentially cause the tendon to tear and require surgical repair.
Connective tissue in the tendon does not have an abundant blood supply, which means the healing process is often slow and it's necessary to manage the inflammation and avoid further overuse or stress to the affected area during this recovery period.
Going forward, the patient may need to adjust his lifting techniques or work-related tasks to reduce further strain on his elbow and prevent a recurrence of Epicondylopathy.
Learn more about Epicondylopathy