Golfers Elbow : Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

WHAT IS GOLFER’S ELBOW AND HOW IS IT CAUSED?

Golfers elbow is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that connect the upper arm to the elbow. It’s an injury of the wrist flexor that creates pain on the inside of your elbow (medial epicondyle) and may radiate into your forearm.

This condition is usually caused by overuse of the forearm muscles that allow you to grip, rotate your arm, and flex your wrist. Repetitive flexing, gripping, or winging can cause pulls or tiny tears in the tendons.

Someone who participates in repetitive activity (like golf) multiple times a day, is 40 years or older, overweight, or a smoker may be at increased risk of developing this condition.

Most often, golfers Elbow is caused by inflammation around the elbow, and irritation of the muscles and tendons due to overuse. Poor biomechanics, poor nutrition, and dehydration are common things we see associated with golfers elbow.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GOLFERS ELBOW?

Usually golfers’ elbow is characterized by pain and tenderness of the inside (medial side) of your elbow. The pain can extend down the inner side of your forearm to your wrist and often worsens with certain movements.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Stiff elbow joints (could hurt to make a fist)

  • Weakness in the hands and wrists

  • Numbness or tingling of fingers

  • Difficulty picking up items, opening doors, or even giving a handshake

  • Typically affects the dominant arm

TREATMENTS FOR GOLFERS ELBOW:

Common treatments for golfer’s elbow include:

  • Chiropractic treatment

  • Soft tissue therapy

  • Resting your arm

  • Applying ice

  • Over the counter medication

  • Stretching exercises

  • Wearing a brace

  • Steroid injections

  • Strengthening exercises

If symptoms don’t improve a physician may suggest surgery. This surgery is known as an open medial epicondylar release. The procedure is done by an incision in your forearm, when the surgeon then cuts the tendon, removes the damaged tissues around the tendon, and then reattaches the tendon.

HOW PROACTIVE HEALTH CAN HELP:

GOLFER’S ELBOW DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PAIN RELIEF

Proactive Health providers are experts in diagnosing the root cause of pain and dysfunction. Our doctors will guide you through a full body functional movement assessment which is designed to uncover movement issues that may be contributing or causing your pain. Our main treatments for Golfers Elbow are hands on chiropractic care and soft tissue therapy combined with targeted rehab exercises focused on restoring proper function to your elbow, arm, and shoulder. We strive to provide you with the tools and resources to manage your pain, so you can get back to living your active, awesome life!

If you’re experiencing Golfers Elbow, don’t wait. Call us at (423) 779-3295 or click the button below to get started.