Medial Epicondylitis
Medial Epicondylitis or Golfer's elbow is similar to tennis elbow, but less common. It
is caused by overusing the muscles that clench the fingers. Symptoms include pain in the
inner part of the elbow and pain when bending the fingers or wrists.
Causes of Medial Epicondylitis
Although called golfer's elbow, medial epicondylitis is much more commonly seen in
people who are over using their arm doing something else.
The most common cause is over use of the muscles which are attached to the bone at this
part of the elbow. That is to say, the muscles which pull the palm of the hand towards the
arm (the wrist flexors). All the flexor muscles of the hand attach to the elbow at the
inner part (the medial epicondyle). If they are strained or over used they become
inflamed, which means they are swollen, painful, and tender to touch.
Sometimes the inflammation is caused by a direct injury or bang. Sometimes, especially
when the cause is direct injury or strain, the muscles are actually partially torn.
Rarely the inflammation comes on without any definite cause, and this may be due to an
arthritis, rheumatism or gout.
Sometimes the problem is partly or completely due to a neck problem, which is causing pain
in the elbow via the nerves from the neck.
Treatment of Medial Epicondylitis
Antiinflammatory medications reduce inflammation and pain.
Resting the sore area prevents further injury while allowing time to heal. A wrist splint
holds the wrist in one position, limiting stresses at the elbow. Pain with activity is a
sign that irritation is occurring. Try to avoid movements and activities that increase
pain. As healing continues different types of exercises are used. Early on, isometric
exercises help to maintain muscle mass without over stressing tissue. Later, progressive
resistive exercises are used to increase endurance and strength.
Problems can be avoided by taking frequent breaks as you work or play, improving overall
arm muscle condition, and limiting heavy pushing, pulling or grasping.
If all else fails, surgery is done to treat golfer's elbow. The tendons that attach to the
medial epicondyle are split to reveal the scar tissue. This scar tissue is removed. It
takes about 3 weeks to resume light activities and 3 months to resume heavy activities and
sports. |
