Golfer’s Elbow
by Mr. David Shields
You might golfer’s elbow think it only affects golfers, but it can actually affect anyone who does a lot of repetitive movements and/or gripping with their hands and arms. It’s not just about sports; everyday activities can bring it on too.
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis , is a condition that causes pain on the inside of your elbow. This pain occurs because of overstrain of the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. These tendons help move your wrist and hand, so when they’re overworked, it can cause problems. The pain can even spread down into your forearm and wrist.
What are the symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow?
The main signs of golfer’s elbow include:
- Pain or tenderness on the bony bump on the inside of your elbow.
- Pain when gripping, such as shaking hands.
- Pain when lifting things, like a full kettle.
- Pain when twisting, such as opening a jar.
- Pain when fully straightening your elbow.
- Stiffness in your elbow.
- Weakness in your hand and wrist.
- Numbness or tingling in your ring and little fingers.
The pain can come on suddenly or gradually, and it might get worse with certain movements.
What causes Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is often due to overuse of the muscles and tendons that control your wrist and fingers. It’s linked to repetitive actions, especially those that involve gripping, lifting, and twisting. Some of the common activities that can lead to this include:
- Sports like golf, tennis, and throwing sports.
- Weight training with improper technique.
- Occupational tasks in jobs like construction, plumbing, and carpentry.
- Everyday activities such as using a computer, writing, or gardening.
- Using vibrating tools.
How is Golfer’s Elbow diagnosed?
Usually, a doctor can diagnose golfer’s elbow by just talking to you about your symptoms and doing a simple physical examination. They might check your range of motion and strength. Sometimes, they may do a scan if they need to rule out other issues, but this isn’t usually necessary.
How to treat Golfer’s Elbow?
The good news is that most people with golfer’s elbow recover with simple treatment. Here are some things you can do to help yourself:
- Rest: Give your arm a break and avoid activities that make your pain worse.
- Activity modification: Change how you grip or lift things, take regular breaks, and reduce the weight
you’re carrying. - Pain relief:Use painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, or anti-inflammatory gels.
- Ice: Apply ice to the area to control the pain. Wrap an ice pack in a damp towel and apply for 10-20
minutes, 2-3 times a day. - Exercises: Start exercising your elbow gradually, building up over time.
- Elbow support: An elbow support can be useful in the short term to manage pain.
- Corticosteroid injections: If other treatments don’t help, your doctor might discuss a corticosteroid
injection, although current evidence shows limited benefit. - Physical therapy: Physical therapy is often a key part of the treatment, focusing on full and painless
movement. - Other treatments: Other options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, prolotherapy or even botox
injections may be used for persistent cases. - Surgery: Surgery is rare and usually only considered for cases that don’t improve with other
treatments.
It’s important to be patient and consistent with your treatment plan.
What can I do to prevent Golfer’s Elbow?
To help prevent golfer’s elbow:
- Strengthen your forearm muscles.
- Stretch before activities.
- Use the right form and equipment for your sport or activity.
- Lift things properly, keeping your wrist stable.
- Take breaks and time away from aggregating slactivities when you feel pain.
- Maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, and avoid high cholesterol levels.
FAQs About Golfer’s Elbow
Is Golfer’s Elbow just for golfers?
No, despite the name, golfer’s elbow isn’t exclusive to golfers. It can affect anyone who does repetitive movements with their hands and arms.
How long does it take to recover from Golfer’s Elbow?
Most people recover from golfer’s elbow within a few weeks or months. With proper care and management, you should see gradual improvements. It may take 6-8 weeks of specific exercises to notice a difference, with continued improvement over a few more months.
Can I continue working with Golfer’s Elbow?
Yes, you can often continue working, but you might need to modify your activities. Taking regular breaks, changing your grip, or reducing the weight you’re carrying can all help. Try to return to work as soon as possible as this can help your recovery. A workplace assessment may be beneficial.
When should I see a doctor about my elbow pain?
You should see a doctor if rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers don’t help, or if you notice any of the following:
- Your elbow is hot and inflamed, and you have a fever.
- You can’t bend your elbow.
- Your elbow looks deformed.
- You think you’ve broken a bone.
Can smoking cause Golfer’s Elbow?
Yes, smoking can affect the health of your tendons and increase the risk of developing golfer’s elbow. Smoking can also affect how your body recovers from musculoskeletal problems.
FAQs About The Upper Limb Clinic
What does The Upper Limb Clinic specialise in?
The Upper Limb Clinic, an orthopaedic clinic in Glasgow, specialises in the treatment and management of conditions affecting the upper limbs, including the elbow. Our team of experts can provide a range of services, from diagnosis to rehabilitation, helping you recover from conditions like golfer’s elbow and other joint and muscle pain.
How can The Upper Limb Clinic help with my Golfer’s Elbow?
The Upper Limb Clinic offers a comprehensive approach to managing golfer’s elbow. This may include a detailed assessment, personalised exercise plans, pain management strategies, and advice on activity modification. We also offer access to treatments like injections and can refer for surgery if needed.
How can I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment with The Upper Limb Clinic by visiting the appointment section our website. We are committed to providing timely and effective care to help you get back to your daily activities pain-free.
