Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the inner side of the elbow. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the wrist and arm, especially during activities that involve gripping, twisting, or flexing the wrist, such as golf, tennis, or using tools. Golfer's elbow can affect anyone, but it is more common in middle-aged adults and men. Golfer's elbow can interfere with your daily activities, such as lifting, typing, or shaking hands, and can reduce your quality of life.
What Causes Golfer's Elbow?
Golfer's elbow is a type of tendinopathy, which means inflammation or degeneration of the tendons. Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. The tendons that are affected by golfer's elbow are called the common flexor tendons, which originate from the medial epicondyle, a bony bump on the inner side of the elbow, and extend to the palm side of the hand and fingers. These tendons help to bend and stabilize the wrist and fingers.
Golfer's elbow occurs when these tendons are subjected to excessive or repetitive stress, which can cause micro-tears, inflammation, and scarring in the tendon tissue. This can result in pain, stiffness, and weakness in the elbow, forearm, and wrist. The pain can also radiate to the upper arm and shoulder.
The most common cause of golfer's elbow is overuse or repetitive stress on the wrist and arm, especially during activities that involve gripping, twisting, or flexing the wrist, such as golf, tennis, or other racket sports, using tools, typing, or lifting heavy objects. These activities can put too much strain on the tendons, especially if they are done with poor technique, inadequate equipment, or insufficient warm-up or rest.
Other possible causes of golfer's elbow include:
- Injury or trauma to the elbow, such as a direct blow, a fall, or a sudden twist.
- Age-related degeneration of the tendons, which makes them more prone to damage and less able to heal.
- Medical conditions that affect the tendons, such as arthritis, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or gout.
- Genetic factors that influence the structure and function of the tendons.
Golfer's Elbow Symptoms
The main symptom of golfer's elbow is pain and tenderness in the inner side of the elbow, where the tendons attach to the bone. The pain can also spread to the forearm and wrist, and can vary in intensity and frequency. Some people may experience mild or occasional pain, while others may have severe or constant pain. The pain can be triggered or worsened by:
- Moving the wrist or fingers, especially when gripping, twisting, or flexing the wrist.
- Lifting or carrying objects, especially with the palm facing down.
- Shaking hands or squeezing objects.
- Opening a door or a jar.
- Holding a phone or a cup.
Other golfer's elbow symptoms may include:
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the elbow, forearm, and wrist.
- Weakness and difficulty in performing tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing, buttoning, or using a keyboard or a mouse.
- Swelling and inflammation in the elbow, forearm, and wrist.
- Numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers.
How Is Golfer's Elbow Diagnosed?
To diagnose golfer's elbow, a doctor will ask about the symptoms, medical history, and activities that may cause or aggravate the pain. The doctor will also examine the elbow, forearm, and wrist, and look for signs of tenderness, swelling, and weakness. The doctor may also perform some tests to check the function and sensation of the wrist and fingers, and to rule out other possible causes of elbow pain, such as arthritis, nerve compression, or fracture.
Some of the tests that the doctor may use to diagnose golfer's elbow include:
- Cozen's test: The doctor will ask the patient to make a fist, bend the wrist, and extend the elbow, while the doctor presses on the medial epicondyle. If this causes pain, it indicates golfer's elbow.
- Mill's test: The doctor will ask the patient to straighten the arm and bend the wrist, while the doctor presses on the medial epicondyle. If this causes pain, it indicates golfer's elbow.
- Chair test: The doctor will ask the patient to lift a chair with the palm facing down, while the doctor holds the chair. If this causes pain, it indicates golfer's elbow.
The doctor may also order some imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis, assess the severity of the damage, and rule out other conditions that may affect the elbow, such as bone spurs, arthritis, or tumors.
Golfer's Elbow Treatments
The treatment for golfer's elbow depends on the severity of the condition, the patient's preferences, and the doctor's recommendations. The main goals of golfer’s elbow treatment are to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, promote healing, restore function, and prevent recurrence. The treatment options for golfer's elbow include conservative treatment and surgery.
Conservative treatment
Conservative treatment is the first line of treatment for most cases of golfer's elbow, and it involves non-surgical methods, such as:
- Rest: The patient should avoid or limit activities that cause or worsen the pain, and allow the tendons to heal. The patient may also use a splint, brace, or bandage to immobilize and support the elbow, forearm, and wrist.
- Ice: The patient should apply ice or a cold pack to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes every four to six hours for the first few days, to reduce pain and inflammation. The patient should wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel or cloth, and avoid direct contact with the skin.
- Medication: The patient may take over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or acetaminophen, to reduce pain and inflammation. The patient should follow the dosage and instructions on the label, and consult the doctor if the pain persists or worsens. The patient should also be aware of the possible side effects and interactions of these medications, such as stomach ulcers, bleeding, liver damage, and kidney problems.
- Physical therapy: The patient may see a physical therapist, who can design a customized exercise program to strengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons of the elbow, forearm, and wrist, and improve the mobility and flexibility of the joint. The physical therapist may also use other modalities, such as massage, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or shock wave therapy, to enhance the healing process and reduce pain and inflammation.
- Injections: The doctor may inject corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma, or botulinum toxin into the affected area, to reduce pain and inflammation, and stimulate healing. These injections are usually reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative treatment, and they may have some risks and complications, such as infection, nerve damage, or tendon rupture.
Surgery
Surgery is the last resort for cases of golfer's elbow that do not improve after six to 12 months of conservative treatment, or that cause severe pain and disability. The surgery involves removing the damaged part of the tendon, and repairing the remaining tendon to the bone. The surgery can be done through an open incision, or through a minimally invasive technique, such as arthroscopy. The surgery can relieve pain and restore function, but it may also have some risks and complications, such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or loss of motion. The surgery requires general or regional anesthesia, and a hospital stay of one or two days. The recovery time may vary from six weeks to six months, depending on the type of surgery, the patient's condition, and the rehabilitation program.
How to Prevent Golfer's Elbow from Happening or Recurring?
The best way to prevent golfer's elbow from happening or recurring is to avoid or modify the activities that cause or aggravate the condition, and to take care of your elbow, forearm, and wrist. Some of the preventive measures that you can take are:
- Warm up and stretch before and after your activities, especially those that involve repetitive or excessive wrist and arm movements. This can help you prepare your muscles and tendons for the activity, and prevent stiffness, pain, and injury.
- Use proper equipment and technique for your activities, such as ergonomic keyboards, mice, pens, rackets, and grips. They should be lightweight, comfortable, and fit your hand size and shape. You should also use a softer grip, a lower string tension, and a larger racket head for racket sports, to reduce the impact and vibration on your elbow.
- Take frequent breaks and rest your elbow, forearm, and wrist during your activities. You should also alternate your hands and change your position or posture every 15 to 20 minutes. This can help you avoid overuse and fatigue of your muscles and tendons, and prevent strain and injury.
- Wear a brace, splint, or bandage to support and stabilize your elbow, forearm, and wrist during your activities. This can help you reduce the stress and strain on your tendons, and prevent inflammation and pain. You can also wear a brace, splint, or bandage at night, to keep your elbow in a neutral position and prevent it from bending or twisting.
- Strengthen and stretch your elbow, forearm, and wrist muscles and tendons regularly, with the help of a physical therapist or a doctor. This can help you improve your mobility and flexibility, and prevent stiffness, pain, and inflammation. It can also help you prevent muscle atrophy and weakness, and improve your function and strength.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golfer's Elbow
Here are some frequently asked questions about golfer's elbow, and their answers:
Can a golfer's elbow heal on its own?
Golfer's elbow can heal on its own, without any treatment, in some cases. However, this may take a long time, from six months to two years, and the pain and disability may persist or recur. Therefore, it is advisable to seek medical attention and treatment for golfer's elbow, as this can help you heal faster and prevent further damage and complications.
Can a golfer's elbow affect both arms?
Golfer's elbow can affect both arms, but it is more common to affect one arm, usually the dominant one. However, some people may develop a golfer's elbow in both arms, especially if they do activities that involve repetitive or excessive wrist and arm movements with both hands, such as golf, tennis, or using tools.
Should I massage my golfer's elbow?
Massaging your golfer's elbow can help to reduce pain and inflammation, and promote blood flow and healing in the affected tendons and muscles. You should massage your golfer's elbow for 5 to 10 minutes daily, or as often as needed, but avoid massaging if it causes more pain or discomfort. Also consult your doctor or physical therapist before starting any massage therapy, and follow their instructions and recommendations.
What happens if a golfer's elbow goes untreated?
If a golfer's elbow goes untreated, it can lead to chronic pain and disability in the elbow, forearm, and wrist. It can also cause complications such as contracture, which is a permanent shortening and stiffening of the muscles and tendons, limiting the range of motion of the joint. Untreated golfer's elbow can also affect the quality of life and daily activities of the person, such as lifting, typing, or shaking hands. It can also interfere with sports and hobbies that involve wrist and arm movements, such as golf, tennis, or using tools. Therefore, it is advisable to seek medical attention and treatment for golfer's elbow, as this can help to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, promote healing, restore function, and prevent recurrence.
Golfer's elbow is a common and painful condition that affects the tendons and muscles that attach to the inner side of the elbow. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the wrist and arm, especially during activities that involve gripping, twisting, or flexing the wrist, such as golf, tennis, or using tools. Golfer's elbow can cause pain, stiffness, and weakness in the elbow, forearm, and wrist, and can interfere with daily activities and quality of life.
Golfer's elbow can be treated with rest, ice, pain relievers, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition, the patient's preferences, and the doctor's recommendations. The main goals of treatment are to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, promote healing, restore function, and prevent recurrence.
One of the most effective methods to prevent or manage golfer's elbow is to wear a golfer's elbow brace, such as the Golfer's Elbow Brace With Compression Pad from Zofore Sport. This brace can provide support, compression, and pain relief to the affected area, and help you recover faster and prevent further injury. You can also prevent golfer's elbow by modifying your activities, improving your posture and technique, and doing some exercises and stretches.
We hope this article has helped you understand more about golfer's elbow, and how to prevent and treat it. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult your doctor or physical therapist for advice and guidance. And if you are looking for a high-quality and affordable golfer's elbow brace, you can order the Elbow Brace With Compression Pad for Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow from Zofore Sport online and get free shipping and delivery within the US. Don't wait any longer and get yours today!
References
- WebMD “Golfer’s Elbow”
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) “Golfers Elbow”
- MedlinePlus “Medial epicondylitis - golfer's elbow”
- Verywell Health “Treatment to Heal From Golfer’s Elbow”
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