Golfer’s Elbow
Elbow Anatomy
The elbow joint is formed by three bones: the humerus in the upper arm and the radius and ulna in the forearm. At the lower end of the humerus are bony bumps called epicondyles, where important tendons and muscles attach to help move your arm.
The bump on the inside of your elbow is the medial epicondyle, which connects to the tendons and muscles that help you extend your fingers and wrist.
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition. It happens when repeated use of the forearm muscles causes inflammation and small tears in the tendons attached to the inside of the elbow.
Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are in similar conditions. The difference is that a golfer’s elbow affects the inside of the elbow, while tennis elbow affects the outside. Both are forms of tendonitis involving irritation and degeneration of the tendons
Causes of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is most often caused by overusing the forearm muscles and tendons that move your wrist and fingers. It can also happen after a direct injury, like a fall, car accident, or work-related injury.
Golfer’s elbow is common in golfers, especially when poor technique or unsuitable equipment is used. Other causes include any activity that requires repetitive forearm motion, such as painting, hammering, typing, raking, pitching, gardening, shoveling, fencing, and playing golf.
Signs and Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
Common signs and symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:
- Elbow pain that appears suddenly or gradually
- Achy pain in the inner side of the elbow during activity
- Elbow stiffness with decreased range of motion
- Pain that radiates to the inner forearm, hand, or wrist
- Weakened grip
- Increased pain while gripping objects
- Increased pain in the elbow when the wrist is flexed or bent forward toward the forearm
Diagnosis of Golfer’s Elbow
Your doctor will look at your medical history and examine your elbow. They may order an X-ray to check for a fracture or arthritis.
If it’s still not clear what’s causing your pain, other tests like an MRI, ultrasound, or a diagnostic injection may sometimes be used to help confirm the source of pain.
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Treatment Options for Golfer’s Elbow
Conservative Treatment Options for Golfer’s Elbow
Your doctor will usually suggest starting with simple treatments for golfer’s elbow, such as:
- Activity restrictions: Rest your arm and avoid activities that make your symptoms worse.
- Orthotics: Your doctor may recommend a splint or brace to reduce stress on the injured area.
- Ice: Using ice packs on the injury can help reduce swelling and pain. Place the ice over a towel on the sore area for 20 minutes, four times a day, for a few days. Do not put ice directly on your skin.
- Medications: Your doctor may suggest anti-inflammatory medicine or steroid injections to help with pain and swelling.
- Occupational therapy: Once your symptoms get better, you may be referred to occupational therapy for strengthening and stretching exercises.
- Pulsed ultrasound: Therapists use this treatment to break up scar tissue, improve blood flow to the injured tendons, and help them heal.
- Professional instruction: Consulting a sports professional for assessment and instruction in proper swing technique and equipment may be recommended to prevent recurrence.
Surgery for Golfer’s Elbow
If your symptoms do not improve after 6 to 12 months of other treatments, your surgeon may suggest surgery for golfer’s elbow.
The surgery aims to remove damaged tissue from the inner elbow, improve blood flow to help healing, and relieve your symptoms.
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