Golf elbow is inflammation of the tendons that attach muscles to the bones in the upper arm. The tendon of the elbow is attached to a part of the bone called the epicondyle. This is a naturally occurring process, but golfers who swing away from the ball, especially at a fast rate, can cause damage to the tendon of the elbow. The symptoms of golf elbow are pain and stiffness in the outer part of the elbow, and a weakness of the wrist and hand.
The first step towards healing golf elbow is to see a doctor. Symptoms of mild to severe medial epicondylitis include pain and swelling. However, in more severe cases, the pain can extend deep into the elbow. The wrist may become weak. There may be some loss of strength in the grip.
Another symptom to look out for in golf elbow is a tingling sensation or numbness in the forearm. Usually it is felt in the thumb and the first few knuckles on both hands. If it occurs in the thumb it is called carpal tunnel syndrome. The second most common form of golf elbow is called tennis elbow. It is caused by repeated overuse of the forearm muscles, usually when striking the ball.
The most common method of treating golf elbow is with anti-inflammatory drugs. These may be steroid injections or coagulation therapy, where a clot-like fluid is injected to stop swelling and minimize pain. Many golfers elbow take these medications for the rest of the season.
When the doctor gives the patient an anti-inflammatory injection, the wrist may become stiff for several days. In addition, there will be a loss of strength in the hand. The wrist and the ulnar groove on the inner side of the forearm will become affected. The doctor may give the patient a steroid shot to treat golf elbow or a combination of steroids and ice. A third option is a combination of steroids and oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to strengthen the wrist muscles and reduce pain.
If the condition does not improve during the off season, the physician may prescribe physical therapy to help correct the problem. The physical therapist will teach the patient how to perform the golf swing correctly again. This may include strengthening the wrist flexors, strengthening the forearm muscles, stretching exercises, and a reduction in the amount of repetitive motion in the golf swing. Physical therapy can also help the player develop the habits that will help avoid the condition in the future.
The more the player engages in the repetitive action of the golf swing, the greater the risk for tennis elbow. In order to prevent this problem, the physical therapist will teach the patient to use wrist extension only when the arm is fully extended and the palms are facing the target. Also, the player must strengthen the muscles of the forearm and extensor tendon. If these exercises are not performed, the chances of aggravating the situation are great.
A medical professional should not always try to treat a condition with a single method or treatment. For the best results, both wrist extensor exercises and strengthening of the forearm muscles should be performed. Swelling, inflammation, and worsening of the condition of lateral epicondylitis can occur if only wrist extensor exercises are performed. A thorough assessment by a physician is the best way to determine the best course of action when treating tennis elbow.
When patients experience tennis elbow symptoms, they should rest the affected arm at least four to six hours but sometimes even as much as 12 hours. The patient should not lift any weight, bend, or twist the wrist, and avoid activities that could further aggravate the injury. They can be given anti-inflammatory medications, but this should only be done under the supervision of a physician. It is also advisable to wear a wrist guard, which has been proven to reduce the symptoms of elbow pain. Anti-inflammatories and analgesics can also be taken but these too should be given under the advice of a specialist.
Although there is no clear consensus about the exact cause of golfers’ elbow, most health professionals agree that it is due to repetitive actions and exertion. However, the most common cause is tennis players who repeatedly hit their forehands or their racquets. This can trigger microtears that start at the tendons and become progressively larger. When the muscles surrounding the elbow are repeatedly used, mechanical forces are placed on the tendons and eventually cause severe pain.
In some cases, the problem is caused by the imbalance between the strength of the muscles and the flexibility of the tendon. A stronger muscle can stretch the tendon while a weaker one can compress it. Other causes include genetics, trauma, and overuse. Patients with golf elbow symptoms may need to be treated for medial epicondylitis. They should have regular physical therapy and be careful about activities that place too much stress on the joints. They may need to take an anti-inflammatory medication and avoid activities that may trigger the development of this condition.