What Is Golfer’s Elbow and How Do You Treat It?
Posted on Wed, Oct 20, 2010 @ 09:19 AM
The medical term for Golfer’s Elbow is Medial Epicondylitis and you can develop it even if you never pick up a golf club. This condition can be caused by any activity that requires repeated twisting or flexion (bending downwards) of the wrist. Generally, medial epicondylitis is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles during such tasks as shoveling, gardening, ball throwing or playing golf or tennis. Repeated lifting, especially of a heavy load where your elbow is extended and your palm is facing down, can also cause Medial Epicondylitis
The muscles of the forearm and hand attach near or on the epicondyles (see graphic). The tendons in this area of attachment may become irritated or torn which will cause pain to be felt around the bony protrusions on the inside of the elbow. Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow include pain on the inside of the elbow when lifting the wrist or hand, pain when twisting the forearm, or pain when making a fist. The area may be tender to the touch and may be slightly swollen. If the problem has gone on for a while, additional symptoms can include elbow stiffness, as well as weakness in the hands or wrist.
A related condition, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, may mimic the pain of medial epicondylitis and include numbness or tingling in the little and ring fingers. It is important to discuss your condition with your health care provider as it is important to accurately diagnose the problem for proper treatment to be effective. .
In addition to golf, other activities that may cause Golfer’s Elbow include racquet sports, baseball or softball, weightlifting, carpentry, painting, and many others.
Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow or Medial Epicondylitis includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, splints and possibly an injection. It is a good idea to rest both the elbow and wrist since the muscles that attach the wrist to the elbow are involved. A wrist splint and elbow wrap will help prevent further strain while you are healing. Along with rest, ice and an over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory pain reliever should be effective in treating Golfer’s Elbow. It may take several weeks of resting the elbow to relieve the pain, and even longer until the symptoms are gone completely. However, it is very important to seek medical attention from your health care provider if the condition does not show improvement. You should also see your doctor immediately if:
- your elbow doesn’t bend,
- it looks deformed,
- you think you broke a bone, or
- you feel feverish and your elbow feels hot.
Do not hesitate to see your Doctor or Orthopedic Surgeon if you have concerns about elbow pain. Your visit will consist of a physical examination and if indicated, an x-ray. If rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers are not effective in treating your Golfer’s Elbow, your doctor may suggest a cortisone shot to reduce pain and swelling. Stretching and strengthening exercises may be prescribed too. It is rare for surgery to be required.
For additional information about products that are effective for treating Golfer’s Elbow, please follow the links below. Remember that it is important to have any injury properly evaluated by a health care professional. Please share this information with your doctor and consult him or her before undertaking any course of treatment.
http://www.3pointproducts.com/elbow-wrap/
http://www.3pointproducts.com/reflex-putty/
Author: Julie Belkin