Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Golfer's elbow is a painful inflammation of the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow. The pain is primarily felt as the bony bump known as the medial epicondylitis, located on the inside of the inner elbow.
What You Need To Know About Golfers Elbow
What is Golfer's Elbow?
Golfer's elbow is a painful condition that causes pain to radiate from your elbow to your forearm. Repetitive strain to the muscles and tendons in the forearm causes the area to become tender and painful. This condition is sometimes known as golfer's elbow tendonitis.
The elbow joint is made up of several distinct components. Usually, each of these components allows you to move your hand and wrist without difficulty. However, people with golfer's elbow struggle with these activities.
Getting golfer's elbow treatment starts with a visit to the Hand & Wrist Center at Resurgens Orthopaedics. Schedule your appointment now at a location near you!
What Causes Golfer's Elbow?
The elbow is a complex array of bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments. In your elbow, the muscles that control your wrists and fingers are known as flexion. The flexion is anchored to a bony protrusion in your elbow known as the medial epicondyle.
Over time, repetitive stress can cause tiny tears to develop in your flexor tendons. These small tears cause inflammation and intense pain. Golfer's elbow is the name given this condition. Pain from golfer's elbow may make simple tasks like turning a doorknob into painful endeavors.
Despite the name, many types of people can develop golfer's elbows. Any repetitive activities that involve putting a strain on the elbow tendons or use excessive finger clenching can eventually cause golfer's elbow. Activities such as gardening, hammering, or rock climbing can contribute to medial epicondylitis.
People who are older than 35 are more likely to develop a golfer's elbow. Other conditions like obesity or smoking may make golfer's elbow more likely.
Some medial epicondylitis causes include:
Improper technique in throwing sports or racket sports
Weight training
Occupational movement in carpentry, construction, or plumbing
Carrying heavy equipment
Frequent use of hand tools
Symptoms of Golfer's Elbow
There are many medial epicondylitis symptoms. These symptoms may develop slowly or suddenly and may include:
Pain while moving your elbow
Experiencing tingling or numbness in your fingers
Stiffness in your elbow
Diminished hand and wrist strength
Trouble moving your elbow
Radiating pain from the arm to the wrist.
Medial epicondylitis symptoms may make everyday household activities challenging. These people may struggle with opening doors, picking up items, or preparing meals.
How is Golfer's Elbow Diagnosed?
Getting lasting golfer's elbow treatment starts with a visit to Resurgens Orthopaedics. During your consultation, a physician will examine your condition and ask you questions about your family history and lifestyle.
Part of the exam will involve the doctor touching the affected area and asking you to demonstrate activities that aggravate your symptoms. It is normal to feel minor irritation during this portion of the exam.
Next, the doctor may use diagnostic imaging tools to get a better sense of your needs. These tools can help your doctor understand your condition's extent and create a treatment plan tailored for your healing.
Golfer's Elbow Treatment
There are many golfer's elbow treatment options. Nonsurgical treatment options may include rest, physical rehabilitation, and the responsible use of OTC pain reliever medications like Advil or Tylenol. Please be careful with any pain reliever as they can become habit-forming. Your doctor may recommend the use of bracing.
More severe cases may require surgical intervention. Outpatient procedures like medial epicondylectomy release can help alleviate symptoms. A surgeon relieves compression in your forearm during this procedure by removing damaged tissue and removing excess bone.
The hand and wrist experts at Resurgens Orthopaedics can help you find lasting relief from your golfer's elbow. Schedule an appointment now at a location near you.