Golfer’s Elbow is a condition of inflammation, irritation and microtrauma of the muscle tendon that attaches to the bony prominence on the inside of the elbow. The elbow is susceptible to injury due to the small area of attachment of the muscle tendon. It creates greater force load when the muscle contracts. As the wrist is flexed, moving the hand downward or the hand made to grip, the muscles tense and pull against the tendons. After repetitive use of these muscles, the tendon becomes overworked and inflamed. This produces pain at the inside of the elbow.

What are the Risk Factors for Golfer’s Elbow?
The development of Golfer’s Elbow often relates to the way that one carries out activities with the forearm. In the golf swing, the flexor muscles and tendons must tighten to hit the ball. Golfing is only one of the causes of this pain, which can be brought on by similar tasks that require repeated bending of the wrist, gripping, grasping, and turning the hand. Activities common to the movements include working out at the gym, improper lifting techniques, or simply working on the computer for prolonged periods of time. Although onset of this pain is usually due to repetitive movements, a traumatic movement of the elbow or wrist can also bring on this disorder.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow?
In a medical examination, pain can be found at the inside aspect of the elbow. Usually there is no outward sign of redness or swelling. Pain is reproduced with bending the wrist downward and gripping. A person can also have difficulty extending the forearm fully.

Golfer’s Elbow can appeal in many different ways. Some people get symptoms gradually after performing the same type of work. Others acquire it suddenly after doing a new type of work. Other times, pain can come on more quickly after increasing work or playing golf.

There are times the pain will come on following a single violent muscle exertion or after the elbow becomes injured. In other cases, Golfer’s Elbow occurs for no obvious reason.

What is the Difference between Golfer’s Elbow, Tennis Elbow, and Bursitis?
Onset of pain for Tennis Elbow is similar to that described for Golfer’s Elbow, except the pain and tenderness is felt along the outside of the elbow. The painful movements include extending the wrist and moving it upward, as well as gripping and rotating the forearm. Bursitis is often due to excessive leaning on the elbow or a direct blow to the tip of the elbow. A bursitis is characterized by a painful lump at the back of the elbow.

Treatment
In order to treat the pain successfully, there must be a reduction of the activity which has brought on the symptoms. Local measurements must also be undertaken, such as icing after activity, and then systematic measures such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Support of the wrist and hand with a brace is sometimes helpful. You should seek medical attention as soon as you notice any symptoms.

Physical therapy can assist with the return to activity. A physical therapist will evaluate and determine the appropriate rehabilitation course for each individual. Physical therapy may include the use of modalities including anti-inflammatories, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation. Stretching and soft tissue mobilization will assist in the patient progression to strengthening exercises. Proper strengthening of appropriate muscles will ensure a healthy return to golf.

It is recommended that golfers, who develop this problem, consult a teaching professional once their symptoms are resolved and they are rehabilitated to the point that they are ready to play golf again. The golf professional can then assist them with modifications necessary to improve their symptom free golf game.

Prevention
Paying attention to early symptoms can save someone a lot of trouble. If certain activity produces pain or soreness in the medial aspect of the elbow, you should cease that activity. This is not something that should just be “played through.” If someone wants to start playing golf, it is best to take some lessons to develop the correct form, which will go a long way toward preventing problems.

Watching form with lifting in the gym and items around the home can prevent injury. Keep wrists in a neutral position and use good posture and mechanics to avoid injury. Proper ergonomics at your work station can also prevent injury while doing repetitive work at the computer.

Golfers should also be aware that they may not know until tomorrow the damage that was done today. Just because the elbow does not hurt today, does not mean it will not be sore in subsequent days. Therefore, they should increase activity gradually rather than rapidly. Players should also visit a qualified professional for proper equipment modifications.

Back