Pain in the inner side of the arm near the elbow is known as medial epicondylitis. Popularly known as golfer’s elbow, as the ball hits the golf club it gives a small blow to the inner side of the elbow thereby injuring the small muscles and tendons present there. People who are above 40 years of age and are smokers or obese are more prone to muscle and ligament injuries such as golfer’s elbow. In contrast to tennis elbow (where the pain is on the outer side of the elbow), this pain is on the inner side of the elbow, but that doesn’t mean that the golfer’s elbow can not occur in tennis players. It can occur in any person who is in an occupation or sport that requires repetitive elbow or wrist movements. The best Orthopedic doctor in Noida, Dr. Sumit Badhwar always advises his patients about the right ergonomic setup as well as the lifestyle changes that can alleviate the symptoms.
Causes of Golfer’s Elbow
Almost all tendonitis such as tennis Elbow, Golfer’s elbow occurs due to the overuse of the muscle. Blunt trauma is rarely the cause.
- Overuse of the forearm or wrist muscles
- Repetitive motions
- Occupational such as painter, cook, plumber, etc
- Sportspersons who are new to the technique and equipment or who play without any professional supervision
Symptoms
- Pain on the inside of the elbow
- May radiate to the forearm and wrist
- Weakness and difficulty in making a fist
- Tingling sensation in the ring finger, little finger, and half of the long finger may be there due to nerve impingement
- Golf-like motion reproduces the pain
- Stiffness in elbow
- Difficulty in moving the elbow, forearm, or wrist.
How Golfer’s Elbow is Diagnosed?
Golfer’s Elbow is generally diagnosed by just the physical examination by an experienced orthopedic doctor. Sometimes an x-ray is also required to check or rule out any bone injury. More detailed imaging such as MRI or CT-scan is generally not required for the diagnosis.
Treatment of Golfer’s Elbow
- NSAIDs – The first line of action is medicines along with some RICE therapy. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs help in reducing the inflammation and swelling from the elbow.
- RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression (bandage), and Elevation help in easing the joint and providing some rest and support it needs. Ice helps in reducing the inflammation naturally.
- Brace Usage – Brace comes in handy than the bandages as it provides support without hindering the total activity. Elbow braces specially designed for the support and mobility are the preferred choice.
- Injections – Corticosteroid or PRP injections are considered if the patient does not get any relief from the medicines and conservative measures. Although most of the cases get treated and a few need an injection.
- Surgery – Surgery is quite rare in golfer’s elbow treatment. If required, the removal of scar tissue and/or extra bone under ultrasound guidance is performed to provide relief to the patient.
How to Prevent Golfer’s Elbow
- Strengthen Elbow and forearm muscles
- Regular exercises such as squeezing a tennis ball, doing wrist curls with weight.
- Proper Warm-up before starting the game
- Stretching exercises of wrist before and after the activity
If You experience any of these symptoms or are suffering from any of bone or joint pains then you can book an appointment with Dr. Sumit Badhwar here and visit us at Bone & Joint Clinic, B-84A, Sector-31 Noida.