Treatment Options for Golfer's Elbow

Treatment Options for Golfer’s Elbow Golfer's elbow occurs when the tendons that attach to the inner elbow degenerate. Learn about the symptoms of and treatment options for the condition.

Golfer’s elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bone on the inside of the elbow. Also known as medical epicondylitis, the injury occurs due to repetitive stress or use of the muscles and tendons that control the wrist and fingers. The condition causes chronic pain on the inside of the elbow, which might spread into your forearm and wrist. Pain management centers based in Brooklyn, NYC offer various treatment modalities to address the severity of golfer’s elbow symptoms.

Golfers elbow mainly affects people between the ages of 30 to 50, and both men and women equally.

Typically, the damage to the muscles and tendons (that control your wrist and fingers) is one of the major causes of this condition. The damage is related to excess or repeated stress -- especially forceful wrist and finger motions. Improper lifting, throwing or hitting, as well as too little warm-up or poor conditioning can also cause the condition.

Though similar to tennis elbow (which occurs on the outside of the elbow), the condition is not limited to golfers. Tennis players and others who repeatedly use their wrists or clench their fingers also can develop golfer's elbow. People who play racket sports and throwing sports (baseball or softball, javelin throw and archery) are also prone to developing the condition. Weight training and forceful, repetitive occupational movements (like construction, plumbing and carpentry) can also cause the condition.

Activities like playing an instrument and typing on the computer can also lead to medial epicondylitis.

Symptoms Golfer’s elbow symptoms can develop suddenly or slowly over a period of time. The type and severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe. Commonly occurring symptoms include –

Tingling sensation or numbness in the fingers, especially the ring and little fingers Pain when shaking hands Pain when flexing the wrist toward the forearm Pain that extends from the inside of the elbow through the wrist A stiff elbow A tingling sensation extending from the elbow to the ring and pinky fingers A Weak grip Difficulty moving the elbow

Treating Golfer’s Elbow Severe pain in the elbow which does not improve over time could be a sign of golfer’s elbow. To diagnose the condition, a pain management doctor will conduct a physical exam, which may involve applying pressure to your elbow, wrist and fingers to check for stiffness or discomfort. Imaging studies like X-ray or MRI (in very rare cases) may be recommended to rule out other causes of elbow pain, such as a fracture or arthritis.

Reliable multi-specialty healthcare centers in Brooklyn offer a wide range of pain management solutions such as physical therapy, transcutaneous electric stimulation, medications and ice/heat therapy.

Based on the patient’s condition, a physical therapist will develop a customized treatment program.

Various exercises such as strengthening, stretching, aerobic and isometric exercises may be recommended to improve strength, mobility, joint function, and range of motion. The TENS approach uses low voltage electrical current to relieve pain. Ice and heat application on the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain. NSAIDs like Ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be recommended to ease inflammation.

Resting from activities that stress the elbow muscles can help reduce pain and promote healing. If symptoms do not improve with any of the above conservative approaches (within 6-12 months), surgery may be recommended.

Tips to Prevent Golfer’s Elbow Modifying or avoiding activities that worsen symptoms is one of the first steps to prevent golfers elbow.

Take regular breaks between activities. Always stretch before doing any activity. Walk or jog for a few minutes to warm up your muscles. While playing sports, make sure to use proper equipment with good grip to reduce injury to the elbows. When lifting anything, make sure to keep your wrist rigid and stable to reduce the force transmitted to your elbow. In addition, wearing a counter-force type of brace below the elbow can help give compression to the forearm muscles and help reduce the force that the muscle transmits to the tendon.