Golfer’s Elbow
What is golfer’s elbow?
Golfer's elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that involves pain and inflammation of the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. Despite its name, golfer's elbow is not exclusive to golfers and can affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping or wrist flexion activities. The condition is similar to tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), but the pain occurs on the inner side of the elbow.
What causes golfer’s elbow?
Golfer's elbow is primarily caused by repetitive stress and overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that control the wrist and fingers. The condition involves inflammation of the tendons attached to the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inner side of the elbow. Despite its name, golfer's elbow can affect individuals who engage in various activities that involve repetitive gripping, wrist flexion, and hand movements. Some common causes of golfer's elbow include throwing, some tool use, training errors/technique errors, etc.
What are the symptoms of golfer’s elbow?HAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF golfer’s ELBOW?
The symptoms of golfer's elbow can vary in severity, and individuals may experience one or more of the following:
Pain:
Pain on the inner side of the elbow is the hallmark symptom of golfer's elbow.
The pain may range from mild to severe and can be felt near the medial epicondyle.
Tenderness:
Tenderness is present when pressure is applied to the inner side of the elbow, specifically over the medial epicondyle.
Worsening Pain with Movement:
Pain may worsen with certain movements, such as gripping, flexing the wrist, or making a fist.
Activities that involve repetitive hand and wrist motions can exacerbate the pain.
Weakness:
Weakness in the hand and wrist may be experienced.
Gripping objects or performing activities that require strength may be challenging.
Stiffness:
Stiffness in the elbow joint may be present, especially after periods of rest or in the morning.
Pain Radiating Down the Forearm:
Pain may radiate down the forearm, following the path of the affected tendons.
Difficulty in Making a Fist:
Difficulty in making a fist or squeezing objects due to pain and stiffness.
Pain with Handshakes:
Handshakes or activities that involve gripping, such as turning a doorknob, may trigger pain.
Pain with Lifting Objects:
Pain may be exacerbated when lifting objects, especially with the palm facing downward.
It's important to note that golfer's elbow symptoms can develop gradually over time, and the severity of symptoms may vary.
How do you treat Golfer’s elbow?
The practitioners at Mountain Health and Performance may suggest a combination of therapies and at-home management strategies, including:
Rest: Giving your elbow a break from the activities that worsen the pain.
Exercise/rehab: Exercises and stretching can play a crucial role in managing and rehabilitating golfer’s elbow. The goal is to strengthen the muscles around the forearm, improve flexibility, and promote overall joint health
Soft tissue therapy: Soft tissue therapy can be a helpful component in the management of tennis elbow, aiming to address muscle tightness, improve flexibility, and reduce tension in the affected area.
Shockwave therapy: Stimulates blood flow, reduces pain and promotes tissue regeneration. Best suited for golfer’s elbow that has persisted for 3+ months.
Laser therapy: Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment approach that uses low-level light to stimulate cellular activity and promote tissue healing.
Bracing: Bracing can be a helpful support for managing tennis elbow by providing compression to the affected area and reducing strain on the tendons. Remember that while a brace can be beneficial for symptom management, addressing the root causes through rehabilitation exercises and lifestyle modifications is crucial for long-term improvement.
Managing tennis elbow often involves a combination of these approaches, and recovery time varies from person to person. Early intervention is key to managing golfer's elbow effectively and preventing the condition from becoming chronic.