Golfer’s elbow
Golfer’s elbow similar to tennis elbow. The pain focus is the knobby bump on the
inside of the elbow closest to the body (the medial side), so it is technically known as
medial epicondylitis.
The muscles of the forearm that control the wrist and hand begin just above the elbow
joint. These muscles can become inflamed and may even partially tear if subjected to
excess or repetitive stress. Pain from this inflammation may arise and progress suddenly
or gradually.
Causes of golfer's elbow
Overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm and elbow are the most common reason
people develop golfer's elbow. Repeating some types of activities over and over again can
put too much strain on the elbow tendons. These activities are not necessarily high-level
sports competition. Shoveling, gardening, and hammering nails can all cause the pain of
golfer's elbow. Swimmers who try to pick up speed by powering their arm through the water
can also strain the flexor tendon at the elbow.
In some cases, the symptoms of golfer's elbow are due to inflammation. In an acute
injury, the body undergoes an inflammatory response. Special inflammatory cells make their
way to the injured tissues to help them heal. Conditions that involve inflammation are
indicated by "-itis" on the end of the word. For example, inflammation in a
tendon is called tendonitis. Inflammation around the medial epicondyle is called medial
epicondylitis.
Symptoms of golfer's shoulder
- Pain or tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
- Pain increases when:
- Shaking hands
- Turning doorknobs
- Picking up objects with your palm down
- Hitting a forehand in tennis
- Swinging a golf club
- Applying pressure to this area
- Possibly pain extending down the forearm
- Tightness of forearm muscles
- Stiffness or trouble moving the elbow or hand
Treatment of golfer's shoulder
- Rest helps, with avoidance of the activities which over use the elbow.
- Physiotherapy treatments, which may include heat / ultrasound therapy.
- Use of anti inflammatory drugs and ordinary pain killers (analgesics).
- Your doctor may suggest an injection of a small dose of steroid to the affected area.
This is not the sort of steroid banned for athletes. If used it can last for up
to three months, and although it may need to be repeated you seldom need more than two or
possibly three injections.
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