Medial epicondylitis or golfer’s elbow is a condition that results in pain and inflammation on the inner part of the elbow. This is a frequent problem among golfers, but it can occur in anyone who uses their arm or wrist in repetitive motions. Golfer’s elbow affects everyone from athletes to office workers and can be a real hindrance in day to day life and sports. In this blog, we will know more information about this condition which include golfers elbow symptoms, how to identify it with the apt golfers elbow test, and the most effective golfer’s elbow cure. Furthermore, we shall also discuss some of the best exercises that can be done to prevent and treat golfer’s elbow.
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is a condition that affects the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the bone on the inner part of your elbow. This is often as a result of stress and strain that is exerted on the tendon through repeated activities that cause tiny tears in the tendons. Although the condition is named after golf, it can also be developed by any activity that involves the repeated use of the hand, wrist or forearm muscles such as weight training, tennis, typing or even lifting heavy objects.
Golfers Elbow Symptoms
The symptoms of this condition can be mild to severe pain and this makes it hard to perform simple tasks. If not treated, it may cause chronic pain and restrict your physical activities. Therefore it is important to identify the signs of the golfer’s elbow as early as possible to avoid the worsening of the condition. The most common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow (the bony bump called the medial epicondyle).
- Pain in the elbow that is worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
- Difficulty in holding objects with the hand or wrist or in making a fist.
- Paresthesia (tingling/abnormal sensation ) or numbness which may be referred down to the ring and little fingers.
- Pain that is aggravated by bending the wrist backwards, grasping objects or lifting something up.
If you are having these symptoms, it is advisable to avoid any activity that may be worsening the pain and consult a doctor.
Golfers Elbow Test: How to Diagnose It
One of the ways of diagnosing medial epicondylitis is by conducting a golfers elbow test. Your doctor may perform one or more of these tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- Palpation Test: The doctor will palpate the medial epicondyle (inner part of the elbow) to determine if it is sore or painful.
- Resistance Test: The patient is requested to clench the fist, flex the wrist towards the palm and oppose the force applied by the doctor in an attempt to dorsiflex the wrist. Positive findings on this test include pain on the inner side of the elbow which may be a sign of this condition.
- Grip Test: If you have a feeling of pain or weakness when holding an object such as a golf club, then you might be suffering from a golfer’s elbow.
Your doctor may also advise you to undergo imaging tests like X-ray or MRI to eliminate other conditions like fractures or ligament injuries.
Golfers Elbow Treatment Options
The good news is that golfers elbow treatment is mostly non-operative. For most of the conditions, the patient is advised to take a break from the activity that caused the pain, do some stretching and perform some strengthening exercises. Below are some of the most effective treatment methods for golfer’s elbow:
Rest and Ice Therapy
The first line of treatment for this condition is to avoid using the affected arm for some time. This means refraining from activities that put pressure on the elbow tendons for example lifting objects or engaging in activities that require the use of the arms such as sports. Ice on the elbow should be applied for 15-20 minutes several times a day to decrease inflammation and pain.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Ibuprofen or naproxen can be used to control pain and inflammation in the elbow as they are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is important to stick to the prescribed dosage and seek medical advice if there is any issue regarding the use of medication.
Physical Therapy and Stretching
Your physical therapist can teach you golfers elbow exercises that are aimed at stretching and strengthening the muscles and tendons in your arm and forearm. Muscle strengthening can also be of great benefit in reducing pressure on the elbow joint and thus avoiding future injuries. Sometimes, the patient may also be advised to undergo massage therapy or ultrasound therapy.
Bracing or Splinting
Wearing a brace or splint can also assist in helping the affected area and decrease stress on the tendons. An elbow strap or forearm brace can immobilize the area to avoid further strain on the tendons as they repair themselves.
Surgical Options
If conservative measures do not work, then surgery may be needed to remove the damaged tissue or to repair the tendons. Surgery for golfer’s elbow is rarely performed and is only considered if the patient has not responded to conservative treatment for 6-12 months.
Exercises for Golfer’s Elbow
After the initial inflammation has occurred, it is possible to include exercises for golfer’s elbow into the training process to increase flexibility, reduce pain, and strengthen the muscles of the elbow. Here are a few effective golfers elbow exercises:
Wrist Flexor Stretch
- Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your right hand in front of you with the palm facing up.
- Take your other hand and pull your fingers down towards the floor with your fingers spread out, you should feel a stretch in your forearm.
- Take 15-30 seconds and repeat the process 2-3 times.
Wrist Flexor Strengthening
- Take a lighter dumbbell or a resistance band in your hand with your palm being up.
- Slowly twist your wrist from up to down and vice versa to feel the muscles in your forearm.
- Do 2-3 series of 10-15 reps.
Forearm Pronation/Supination
- Take a light dumbbell in your right hand and bend your right elbow at the right angle.
- Bend your wrist up and down, slowly, so that your palm is facing up, then face down again.
- Perform this exercise 10-15 times on each arm.
Towel Twist
- Take a rolled up towel in your both hands.
- Twist the towel in opposite directions as if you are wringing it.
- Do 2-3 sets of 10 twists.
The following are some of the golfers elbow exercises that can be used to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the elbow to avoid future strain.
Preventing Golfer’s Elbow
It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it. To avoid developing golfer’s elbow in the first place, make sure to:
- Stretch before participating in exercises that require the use of the arms in circular motions.
- Stretch and exercise your forearm muscles to build up your forearm muscles.
- To avoid straining the elbow when playing sports such as golf or tennis, one should use the right techniques.
- Rest your elbow and do not overuse it when performing similar operations.
Conclusion
Golfer’s elbow is a painful condition that can be treated by proper treatment, adequate rest and preventive exercises. If you have the symptoms of this condition, it is important that you seek medical attention early and follow the right golfers elbow treatment plan so that you do not develop complications. Including the correct exercises for golfer’s elbow in your training schedule will also help to avoid future injuries and maintain healthy elbows.
