Nina Caldwell
Golfer's elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a form of tendonitis that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons connecting the forearm and elbow. It is caused by repeatedly bending, grasping or twisting the wrist and arm, which leads to tiny tears in the tendons. This can be prevented by warming up before golfing, stretching the shoulders, arms and back, and using a counterforce brace or splint. Treatment for golfer's elbow includes resting the arm, physical therapy, cortisone or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, and in rare cases, surgery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical Term | Medial Epicondylitis |
| Cause | Repeated use of the wrist and arm to bend, grasp or twist things |
| Symptoms | Pain, inflammation, and tenderness in the muscles on the inside of the elbow and the forearm |
| Treatment | Rest, physical therapy, cortisone or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, surgery (rare) |
| Prevention | Warm-up and stretching exercises, counterforce brace or splint, compression bandage, balanced training program |
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What You'll Learn
Rest your arm and avoid movements that cause pain
Resting your arm is crucial to healing golfer's elbow. Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a form of tendonitis that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons connecting your forearm and elbow. It is important to rest your arm for at least four to six weeks before resuming any activities that may have caused the pain, such as sports or daily activities that strain your arm.
During this rest period, you should avoid any movements that cause pain. If certain movements are required for your job, try to modify or adjust them as much as possible. For example, if you experience pain due to your sitting position at your desk, try changing your posture to allow for proper movement.
You can also try wearing a counterforce brace or splint, which helps distribute tension throughout the tendon and muscle, rather than directly over the injury site. A compression bandage can also help ease symptoms and prevent them from recurring.
If you are experiencing pain, there are exercises you can do to help manage the symptoms of golfer's elbow. These exercises should be done gently and gradually, building up over time. It is important to stop if you experience pain or if your symptoms worsen.
Overall, resting your arm and avoiding movements that cause pain are important steps in healing golfer's elbow. By giving your arm the break it needs and modifying your movements to avoid further strain, you can help your tendons heal and prevent long-term problems.
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Warm up, stretch, and strengthen the affected area
Warming up, stretching, and strengthening the affected area can help alleviate golfer's elbow pain. This condition, known as medial epicondylitis, is a type of tendinitis that affects the tendons in the forearm muscle where they connect to the bony inside of the elbow. It is characterised by elbow tenderness and pain when bending the wrist.
To begin managing golfer's elbow pain, it is important to warm up before engaging in any activity that may aggravate the condition. Warming up helps increase blood flow and raise muscle temperature, preparing the body for more intense activity. This can be achieved by stretching the shoulders, arm, and back before each session. Additionally, wearing a counterforce brace or splint can help distribute tension away from the injury site.
There are several specific stretches and exercises that can help improve mobility and reduce pain associated with golfer's elbow. One such exercise involves resting your arm on your thigh, with your palm facing upwards and your elbow bent. Gradually lower the hand with a light weight (about 30% of your maximum capacity) and then use your free hand to assist in returning the weight to its original position. Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times, take a short break, and then perform two more sets. This exercise helps stretch the wrist flexor muscles in the forearm.
Another recommended stretch is to extend your arm and bend your wrist down and up until you feel tension in both directions. Repeat this movement 20 to 30 times several times a day. Dr. Popiolkowski suggests applying a little pressure at the end by pushing up and down to maintain full mobility without holding a long static stretch.
It is important to listen to your body and maintain a pain level between 0 and 5 when performing these exercises. If the pain exceeds this range, modify the exercises or consult a healthcare professional. Additionally, it is advised to start with a few repetitions and gradually increase the number as you become more comfortable.
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Wear a counterforce brace or splint
A counterforce brace is an effective way to treat golfer's elbow pain. It is a type of elbow compression strap that wraps around the forearm and applies pressure just below the site of pain. The brace helps to compress the extensor muscles, which may be pulling on the epicondyle, and moves the point of tension so that the insertion point can heal.
Golfer's elbow braces are typically counterforce braces with hook and loop closures and a raised padded surface that is placed directly over the affected muscle. When the strap is tightened, the raised area puts added pressure directly on the muscles affected below the painful attachment on the elbow. This pressure helps to reduce pain and strain on the muscles.
When choosing a golfer's elbow brace, it is important to consider the size. Braces typically come in small, medium, and large sizes. Measure your forearm just below the elbow and refer to the manufacturer's size chart. Dr. Popiolkowski recommends wearing the brace around the thickest part of the forearm, about two finger widths down from the elbow. It should feel snug but not too tight, as this can cause skin discolouration and tingling.
It is recommended to wear the brace throughout the day during regular activities. It can be worn for a few weeks to see if there is an improvement in symptoms. If it is beneficial, it may be a short-term solution while also working on a long-term fix with a physical therapist.
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Try cortisone or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
Cortisone injections are a common treatment for golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis. This condition is a form of tendonitis, causing inflammation in the tendons that attach muscles to bones. Cortisone injections are often used to treat chronic elbow pain in athletes, and they can provide short-term pain relief. However, it's important to note that long-term use may lead to more chronic pain and loss of function by inhibiting the healing process of soft tissues.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections offer a promising alternative treatment for golfer's elbow. PRP therapy is a well-studied approach that has shown significant results in reducing elbow pain and enhancing function, even outperforming corticosteroid injections in the long term. PRP contains growth factors and other beneficial substances that stimulate healing and tissue regeneration. It is considered a safe, minimally invasive procedure with a quick recovery time and minimal risk of complications.
PRP therapy typically involves three injections, administered two weeks apart, although this may vary depending on the patient's specific needs. The treatment begins with drawing a small amount of the patient's blood, which is then placed in a centrifuge to separate the blood components. The platelet-rich plasma is carefully extracted and mixed with a calcium or thrombin solution to activate the platelets. Finally, the PRP solution is injected into the affected area under ultrasound guidance.
The cost of PRP therapy can range from $250 to $1,500 per session, and insurance coverage may vary. While some patients may experience soreness and bruising at the injection site, these side effects are generally mild and temporary. Improvements in pain levels can be expected within 3-4 weeks, with noticeable changes around 6 weeks. However, it's important to remember that individual responses may vary, and some patients may respond better to PRP than others.
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Surgery (rare)
Surgery is rarely needed to treat golfer's elbow. In most cases, the condition can be managed and improved through rest, physical therapy, and exercises. However, in persistent cases that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be considered as a last resort.
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a form of tendonitis causing pain, inflammation, and tenderness in the tendons connecting the forearm and elbow. It is typically an overuse injury resulting from repetitive motions such as bending, grasping, or twisting. The condition is not limited to golfers and can affect individuals engaging in activities such as tennis, hammering, or computer work.
If symptoms persist despite conservative treatments, surgery may be recommended. This option is typically considered after other methods have been attempted for six to twelve months without significant improvement. The surgical procedure, known as the open medial epicondylar release procedure, involves removing damaged tissues from the elbow.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if surgery is the best option for your specific case. They will assess your condition, consider your medical history, and advise you on the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. The decision to proceed with surgery should be made in collaboration with your healthcare team and after exploring all alternative treatment options.
While surgery is a rare intervention for golfer's elbow, it can be an effective solution for chronic cases that have not responded to other treatments. The goal is to alleviate pain, improve elbow function, and restore the patient's quality of life. However, it is important to follow the advice of medical professionals and explore non-surgical options first, as they are often successful in managing and resolving golfer's elbow pain.
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Frequently asked questions
Golfer's elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a form of tendonitis that causes pain, inflammation and tenderness in the tendons connecting the forearm and elbow.
Golfer's elbow is caused by overuse or general wear and tear of the tendons, bones and muscles in the elbow and forearm. Activities that require repetitive gripping motions, such as throwing, rock climbing, racket sports or weight training, can lead to golfer's elbow.
The first step is to rest your arm and stop doing the motion that caused the injury. You can also try wearing a counterforce brace or splint, or using a compression bandage to distribute tension throughout the tendon and muscle. Your doctor may also recommend cortisone or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, physical therapy, or, in rare cases, surgery.
To prevent golfer's elbow, it is important to warm up and stretch your arms, shoulders and back before playing golf or doing any other physical activity that involves the arms. You should also try to minimise the amount of load and stress placed on the elbow and forearm.
The most common symptom is inner elbow pain and/or pain in the inside of the forearm, but feelings of stiffness and/or weakness may also occur.
