Golfer's Elbow
Introduction
Golfer’s elbow which is also called medial epicondylitis is the injury occurring on the inner aspect of the elbow.. It’s an overuse syndrome involving the musculo-tendinous origin of the common flexors. Same as tennis elbow it’s also a form of tendonitis.
Causes
The mechanism of this injury can be a single violent action of the muscle or, more commonly, repetitive stress injury where an action is performed repeatedly. It may result into one or more of the following:
- Poor sports technique (such as a golf ball hitting from the top)
- Occupational tasks involving repetitive movements of the wrist and hands (such as carpenters who use hand tools on occasion or people involved in desk bound jobs)
- Injury to the elbow or minor tears of the tendon (such as hitting directly)
Symptoms
- Aching pain on the inner side of the elbow
- Pain frequently radiating into the forearm
- Pain with resisted in-turning of the wrist and flexion
- Pain with passive backward stretching of wrist.
- Weakness of grip strength
Treatment
Main aim is to reduce inflammation and pain, stretch and strengthen the wrist flexor muscles
As prescribed by the doctor which may include:
Oral anti-inflammatory or Pain medication or Injection
Physiotherapy
Your physiotherapist may try various techniques to reduce the inflammation and pain. This may include:
to relieve the pain and decrease the inflammation
to reduce inflammation, promotes healing, increase blood circulation of this area and prevent the adhesion inside
to accelerate the healing and increase the local circulation
to break up the scar tissue and prevent the adhesion
to maintain the joint range of motion and muscle strength and Improve the functional ability to get the patient back to the normal daily activities.
to protect the elbow to give a better support and rest to the involved muscles.
Self help tips
- Applying ice packs
- Regular stretching as advised by the physiotherapist
- Resting the arm or reducing repetitive movements
- Proper technique when working or playing sports.
- Bracing or taping the elbow during activities
