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Treatment Modalities for Golfer's Elbow - An Overview

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Golfer's elbow refers to a condition that causes pain on the inside of the elbows. Read this article to learn more about this condition.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Anuj Nigam

Published At December 6, 2022
Reviewed AtFebruary 5, 2024

Introduction

Golfer's elbow is a condition that causes pain in the elbows at the site of attachment of tendons from the forearm. Golfer’s elbow is a term that refers to medical epicondylitis. It is also known as a baseball elbow, suitcase elbow, or forehand tennis elbow and causes pain from the elbow to the wrist. The pain occurs on the elbow's inside portion or medial side. The reason behind the pain is damage to the tendons responsible for bending the wrist.

What Are the Causes of Golfers' Elbows?

When excessive force is applied to bend the wrist towards the palm, it results in medial epicondylitis. The probable causes of medial epicondylitis include the following:

  • If an individual is serving with great force in tennis.

  • Using a spin serve while playing tennis.

  • Weakness of the shoulder muscles.

  • Wrist muscle weakness.

  • Using a tightly strung racket while playing tennis.

  • Javelin throwing.

  • Carrying heavy suitcases.

  • Wood chopping using axes or chainsaws.

The most typical symptom of medial epicondylitis is pain along the palm side of the forearm. The pain extends from the medial side of the elbow to the wrist. The same side as the little finger is affected. The pain is felt while the bending motion of the wrist is attempted towards the palm, either spontaneously or against resistance. The pain may also be felt while squeezing a rubber ball. The symptoms of medial epicondylitis may mimic other medical problems or conditions. Always see the doctor for a diagnosis.

What Are the Risk Factors for Developing a Golfer Elbow?

A patient may be prone to developing a golfer's elbow if any or all of the following activities occur;

  • Repetitive actions cause strain for more than two hours daily.

  • Smoking.

  • Alcohol consumption.

  • Obesity.

How Does a Golfer’s Elbow Affect the Body?

Golfer's elbow affects less than one percent of the population. Both men and women between 45 and 64 are more likely to develop this condition, and women are more predisposed to the disease. Approximately 90 percent of golfer's elbows stem from activities that do not involve playing sports, and sports injuries contribute to only about 10 percent of cases. A golfer's elbow usually affects the dominant arm of an individual. Thus, right-handed people develop a golfer's elbow in their right arm, and vice versa for left-handed individuals. The earliest symptoms manifest as a tender spot on the medial side of the elbow on the dominant hand, and the pain may radiate along the entirety of the medial side of the arm.

How Does a Golfers Elbow Differ From a Tennis Elbow?

Like a golfer's elbow, the tennis elbow also stems from repetitive strain on the wrist and arm during throwing, lifting, or pounding actions. However, the tennis elbow affects the lateral side of the elbow, and thus, it is termed lateral epicondylitis.

How Is Golfer’s Elbow Diagnosed?

Medial epicondylitis can usually be diagnosed based on physical examination. The patient is made to rest the arm on a table, palm side up. The patient is asked to raise their hand by bending the wrist against resistance. Pain on the medial side of the elbow is a confirmed diagnosis of medial epicondylitis. This examination is known as the Lachman Test. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, can help find the cause of elbow pain, like any fractures.

What Are the Treatment Modalities for Golfer’s Elbow?

The first step toward treating the golfer's elbow is the stoppage of the activities that resulted in the condition in the first place. The later steps involved are as follows;

  • Ice pack application to reduce inflammation.

  • Strengthening exercises as directed by the physician or therapist.

  • Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as Naproxen and Ibuprofen.

  • Opioids may be used in cases of intense or excruciating pain.

  • Using an arm brace.

  • Corticosteroid injections.

  • Surgical treatments are rarely advised.

If the injury occurs due to sports, the coach's guidance is usually enough to prevent the activities causing the condition. However, wearing an arm brace may be effective if the condition develops due to routine work.

What to Expect During Golfer’s Elbow?

In most cases, recovery does not require a surgical intervention. Rest for about six weeks is recommended. A few simple exercises and rest between strenuous works are enough to allow the tendons to heal. However, if untreated, the golfer's elbow could permanently damage the elbow by limiting its range of motion, causing chronic pain, and weakening the grip.

How to Fix Inner Elbow Pain?

A person with a Golfer's elbow may experience persistent to severe pain. The tips to fix inner elbow pain are as follows:

  • Give rest to the inner elbow. Avoid twisting motions because that may exacerbate pain.

  • Application of ice pack on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes. This will help in minimizing pain and inflammation.

  • Use a compression bandage to decrease swelling.

  • Take a warm shower to relax the muscles.

  • Elevation of an arm when at rest to decrease swelling.

  • Over-the-counter medications, such as Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen.

  • Maintain proper posture.

How to Self Care From Golfer’s Elbow?

There are certain measures to take self-care from golfer elbows are as follows:

  • Medical advice when the condition has been diagnosed on regular exercises.

  • Wearing an arm brace to work or while playing sports.

  • Ice application after strenuous activities such as working, heavy lifting, or sports.

If the symptoms mentioned above do not regress or increase even after medication and physical therapy, the healthcare provider should be contacted at the earliest.

Can a Golfer’s Elbow Become a Medical Emergency?

The golfer's elbow is not a medical emergency. However, the symptoms might be signs of an underlying serious problem, and thus, immediate attention should be sought if the following occurs;

  • Deformed or misshapen elbow.

  • The elbow feels hot or inflamed.

  • Fever.

  • A broken bone-like pain.

Conclusion

A golfer's elbow can be a nuisance and interferes with a person's job or other mundane tasks. The pain extends from the medial side of the elbow to the wrist. The same side as the little finger is affected. Both men and women between 45 and 64 are more likely to develop this condition. If left untreated, a golfer's elbow could cause permanent damage, like limiting the elbow's range of motion, causing chronic pain, and weakening the grip. In most cases, recovery does not require a surgical intervention. Rest for about six weeks is recommended. A few simple exercises and rest between strenuous work is enough to allow the tendons to heal. A healthcare provider should be consulted in cases of persistent elbow pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

How Do You Treat Golfer’s Elbow?

A massage using ice can help relieve swelling and inflammation. Tying a bandage can help reduce the load on the elbow.

2.

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Elbow pain beginning from the inside of the wrist or the medial aspect of the hand is called Golfer’s elbow.

3.

Does Ultrasound Therapy Work for Golfer's Elbow?

Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRPP) is found to be an effective treatment for Golfer’s elbow. It can help increase the function of the elbow and relieve pain.

4.

What Is the Fastest Way to Cure Golfer's Elbow?

Giving it proper rest and applying an ice pack can help cure Golfer’s elbow faster.

5.

Can Acupuncture Treat Golfer's Elbow?

There are various studies that show that acupuncture can effectively relieve a Golfer’s elbow.

6.

Does Compression Help Golfers Elbow?

A combination of compression and an ice pack can help relieve Golfer’s elbow.

7.

Can Stretching Cure Golfers Elbow?

Stretching exercises can help strengthen flexor muscle, improving Golfer’s elbow.

8.

Is Deep Tissue Massage Good for Golfers' Elbow?

A massage called cross friction massage can help relieve a Golfer’s elbow than simply resting alone. The massage can enhance healing.

9.

Is Deep Heat Good for Golfers' Elbow?

Deep heat improves the blood flow to the area, and helps a Golfer’s elbow heal.

10.

How Does KT Tape Help Golfers Elbow?

KT tape can help provide support, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation in a Golfer’s elbow.

11.

Does Squeezing a Ball Help Golfers Elbow?

Squeezing a ball helps strengthen the muscles. Therefore, helps improve Golfer’s elbow.
Dr. Anuj Nigam
Dr. Anuj Nigam

Orthopedician and Traumatology

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