Golfer’s Elbow

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Pain or inflammation in the tendons of your forearm muscles, attached to the bony bump of your elbow, is called a Golfer’s Elbow. The medical term for this joint condition is Epicondylitis. This pain usually spreads into your forearm and wrist. The condition is similar to the tennis elbow, but this occurs outside the elbow. However, a golfer’s elbow is not limited to golfers; it can also occur in tennis players as they repeatedly clench their fingers and use their wrists. The pain usually gets better with time, but it is essential to consult a doctor if it persists.

What are the Symptoms of the Golfer’s Elbow?

With a golfer’s elbow, you might feel sudden or gradual pain. If you have a golfer’s elbow, you will have the following complications –

• You might feel a stiff elbow, and your fist might hurt.
• Pain & tenderness in the inner side of the elbow. Also, the pain might worsen with movements.
• You might feel a certain extent of weakness in your arms and wrist.
• Sometimes you might have numb arms and fingers.

What are the Causes of the Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is caused due to overusing of the muscle in your forearm – repetitive flexing, gripping, or swinging of arms can cause minute tears in the muscles. It not only affects the golfers but can happen to anyone. Some of the causes of golfer’s elbow are –

• Weight Training – Not using the right technique can lead to overworking your elbow’s tendon and muscle, leading to wear and tear.
• Throwing Sports – Improper way of pitching technique in baseball or softballs can also cause a golfer’s elbow. Also, sports like archery, bowling, and football can cause the condition.
• Repetitive Movement – Working as a plumber or painter at construction sites can also cause a golfer’s elbow. This is because of the repetitive movement of the wrist.

The golfer’s elbow is not caused in one day. Rather, it takes several months of repetitive motion to cause such a condition.

How is Golfer’s Elbow Diagnosed?

A golfer’s elbow is usually diagnosed with various diagnostic tests depending on your current medical condition. To evaluate the condition, the doctor will apply pressure to the affected. Other tests for a golfer’s elbow include-

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• CT Scans (Computed Tomography)
• Bone Scans

How is Golfer’s Bone Treated?

After diagnosing the condition, the doctors might prescribe you certain pain medications. Also, they will advise to undergo therapy or use braces to reduce the tendon and muscle strain. In addition, the doctor will advise you to do exercise, which might include stretching to strengthen the muscle and tendons. You can also apply the ice packs on your elbow for 15-20 minutes and keep your games on hold for a certain period. This will help your elbow to be at rest.

Why Choose Omni Hospitals?

Omni is one of the most reputed hospitals in India, aiming to treat children and women patients safely. We have an expert team of qualified doctors and nurses with experience in their field. Also, with our advanced technology and highly advanced & precise equipment, we carry out surgical procedures with minimal risks. Golfer’s elbow might seem normal at first, but with each passing day, the condition might become more critical, leading to surgery. So, visit Omni Hospitals if you experience the first signs of a golfer’s elbow.

FAQs

Q1. Who does the golfer’s elbow affect? 

Ans. Golfer’s elbow affects less than 1% of the population. It mainly affects men & women between the ages of 45-64.

Q2. What is the difference between a golfer’s & tennis elbow?

Ans. Like a golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow is more to do with frequent movement of the elbow, such as lifting heavy objects, spinning your arms too much, etc.

Q3. How do I stop my golfer’s elbow?

Ans. Using the proper equipment, stretching, maintaining proper swing of arms, etc., can prevent arm and elbow injury.

Q4. Is it ok to massage the golfer’s elbow?

Ans. You can massage a golfer’s elbow using a transverse friction massage technique. It is used on tendons and muscles, using the tips of one or two fingers.

Q5. Is yoga good for a golfer’s elbow? 

Ans. Yoga improves muscle movement, which helps in treating a golfer’s elbow. It lengthens and strengthens shoulder muscles and arms.