Golfer's Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Golfer's elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition affecting the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. Despite its name, you don't have to be a golfer to experience it. Any repetitive wrist and hand motions can lead to this condition.

What Causes Golfer's Elbow?

• Overuse: The primary culprit is repetitive stress on the tendons that control wrist and finger flexion. Activities involving frequent gripping, twisting, or flexing of the wrist can overload these tendons.

• Improper Technique: Incorrect form during sports or other activities can place excessive strain on the elbow tendons.

• Weak Muscles: Weakness in the forearm muscles makes them more susceptible to injury.

• Specific Activities:

  • Golfing: Especially with improper swing mechanics.

  • Weightlifting: Particularly exercises involving wrist curls or gripping.

  • Racket sports: Such as tennis or badminton.

  • Occupations: That require repetitive hand and wrist movements, like carpentry or plumbing.

Recognizing the Symptoms:

• Pain on the inside of the elbow: This may radiate down the forearm.

• Tenderness: To the touch on the medial epicondyle (the bony bump).

• Weakness: In the grip, making it difficult to hold objects.

• Pain with movement: Especially when flexing the wrist or gripping.

• Stiffness: In the elbow joint.

Strategies for Prevention:

• Warm-up and Stretch: Before any activity, warm up your forearm muscles and perform gentle stretching.

• Proper Technique: Learn and use correct form in sports and other activities.

• Strengthening Exercises: Regularly perform exercises to strengthen your forearm muscles.

• Equipment Check: Ensure your equipment (golf clubs, tools, etc.) fits you properly.

• Take Breaks: Avoid prolonged, repetitive movements.

• Use proper lifting techniques: When lifting heavy objects.

Treatment Options:

• Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.

• Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain.

• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to improve strength and flexibility.

• Bracing: An elbow brace can provide support and reduce strain on the tendons.

• Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, your doctor may recommend injections to reduce inflammation.

• Surgery: Rarely required, but may be considered if other treatments are ineffective.

When to Seek Medical Advice:

• Severe pain that doesn't improve with home treatment.

• Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers.

• Difficulty gripping or using the hand.