Golfers Elbow
What is golfer’s elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is a common complaint among both men and women between 30 and 50 years of age. Although the name suggests that this ailment is specific to golfers, it afflicts anyone who engages in repetitive or vigorous use of the forearm muscles involving wrist flexion during work, activity or sports. In 75% of cases, golfer’s elbow occurs in an individual’s dominant arm.
Forearm muscles attach to the bony prominence of the inside of the elbow by tendons. Golfer’s elbow is inflammation on the inside of the elbow, where the tendons attach to the bony bump. Examples of common activities or work that can lead to golfer’s elbow include:
- Golf- gripping or swinging the club incorrectly can attribute to golfer’s elbow
- Painters, Carpenters, Gardeners
- Tennis; particularly excessive topspin
- Improper pitching technique in sports such as baseball or softball
- Racquet sports such as squash and racquetball
- Fencing
Symptoms:
- Pain on the inside of the elbow
- Stiffness of the elbow and pain when making a fist
- Weakness in your hand and wrist
- Pain radiating down the inside of the forearm
- Numbness of tingling radiating to the ring and little finger
The pain may increase when you:
- Shake hands
- Turn a doorknob
- Pitch a ball
- Make a swinging motion
- Pick up an object with your palm facing downward
Diagnosis: Your physciain will take a detailed history and perform a thorough exam of your elbow, wrist and hand. In some instances, x-rays may be obtained.
Treatment: Non-surgical treatment is effective in 85-90% of golfer’s elbow cases. Pain relief is the main objective of initial treatment. Pain control can be accomplished through:
- Stopping activities that cause symptoms
- Applying ice to the inside of the elbow over a thin cloth 2-3 times/day
- Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil or Aleve
- Braces and wrist splints may be advised during activity or at night In most cases, symptoms will improve within four to six weeks. If they do not, your physician may give you a corticosteroid injection around the inside of the elbow. A cortisone injection can sometimes be effective in relieving pain. When pain control has been achieved, your physician will instruct you in gentle range of motion and strengthening exercises. In some cases, s/he may refer you for formal physical therapy. A key to successful recovery and return to activity is a commitment to the strengthening and stretching program.
Surgical treatment is rare in the treatment of golfer’s elbow but may be indicated if improvement has not occurred following the measures listed above for a period of 3-6 months. During this outpatient procedure, your physician makes a small incision over the bony prominence on the inside of the elbow and removes the diseased tendon tissue. Following surgery, your physician will initially limit movement and then instruct you in range of motion and strengthening exercises. In some cases, you may be referred for formal physical therapy.
Prevention of golfer’s elbow:
- Stretching exercises should be an integral part of your warm-up routine before engaging in any physical activity
- Strengthen forearm muscles using light weights
- Have an instructor observe and critique your form and swing
