Golfer Elbow

Golfer's elbow(高爾夫球肘), also called thrower’s elbow, is inflammation of the tendons that connects the forearm muscles to the elbow, causing pain in the inner side the elbow. The painful area is usually a raised point in the inner elbow called the medial epicondyle, where the forearm pronator and flexor tendons of the forearm attach. Therefore, golfer's elbow is also called "medial epicondylitis." Golfer's elbow is not limited to golfers. It is often caused by repetitive strain injuries, injuries or excessive force, such as holding or lifting heavy objects repeatedly for a long time. Pain in the inner elbow joint may extend to the upper arm and shoulder down to the wrist joint, significantly affecting daily life.

Causes of Golfer's Elbow

Excessive repetition of the following movements may cause pain on the inside of your elbow:

• Swinging a golf club
• Swinging a racket forward
• Holding the ball hard
• Flexing your wrist
• Twisting a doorknob
• Weight training
• Repetitive use of wrists or fingers
• Trades such as digging, gardening, and hammering nails
• Prolonged use of a rachet use

Symptoms of Golfer's Elbow

• Heat and swelling may occur when the inner elbow is tight and painful
• Elbow pain spreading to forearm
• Pain is worsened by movements such as making fists, lifting heavy objects, or flexing or pronating the wrist
• Unable to exert force on the wrist or fist
• Difficulty fully straightening elbow
• Numbness or tingling in your ring or little finger

How to Diagnose Golfer's Elbow

The doctor will first take the patient's medical history and conduct a physical examination, including:

• Examination of the bony prominence (medial condyle) on the inner side of the patient’s elbow to see where the pain is
• Checking if the patient experiences pain in the elbow and forearm when flexing and pronating the wrist and fingers
• Take X-rays to rule out other causes of elbow pain, such as fractures and degenerative arthritis
• Ultrasound examination and MRI scans may also be requested

Preventive measures for Golfer's Elbow

• Strengthen forearm muscles
• Stretch before activity
• Ask your coach to check your posture when doing exercise to avoid making mistakes and overloading your muscles.
• Use lighter clubs and rackets
• Keep your wrist stiff and stable when lifting anything
• Try not to overuse your elbows
• Incorporate rest/recuperation times for muscle, tendon and joints to recover even during intense training
• Keep well hydrated

Golfer's Elbow treatment

Physiotherapy can reduce pain and inflammation and aid recovery. Some of the modalities employed include:

• Ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation and heat therapy to promote pain relief and tissue repair
• Guidance on correct exercise techniques and methods
• Use elbow tape or golf elbow straps
• Relieve tight forearm muscles with massage
• Medications such as paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Ice/cold therapy to reduce inflammation
• Pause daily repetitive movements and movements of the elbow to allow the elbow to rest
• Stretch elbow muscles
• Golfer elbow exercise

If treatment is ineffective and the pain is unbearable, doctors may inject steroids to relieve symptoms. When all treatments fail, surgery may be considered. However, the Hong Kong College of Osteopathic Medicine states that less than 10% of patients require surgery.

OT&P Medical Advice

Golfer's elbow is inflammation of the tendons that connects the forearm muscles to the elbow (for flexion and pronation-, causing pain in the inner side the elbow sometimes down to the wrist area on the same side. If you have the above symptoms or have any questions, you are welcome to make an appointment at our physical health clinic for consultation with a doctor or examination.