Golfer’s Elbow: Common Even in Those Who Don’t Golf
Inner elbow pain and aching and weakness in the forearm may be caused by golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis. But despite the name, this condition often isn’t golf related.
Fortunately, available treatments can help alleviate the symptoms of golfer’s elbow and get you back to your daily activities, work and sports.
First, it helps to understand how the affected muscles work. The muscles that bend your wrist and fingers, and which turn the palm down, are known as flexor and pronator muscles. These muscles attach on the bony prominence (medial epicondyle) that’s located at your inner elbow.
When you perform repeated activities where the palm is down and the wrist is bent, the tendons of these muscles become strained, causing elbow pain and weakness in your forearm. The bony area of your elbow may also be tender to the touch.
Potential causes of golfer’s elbow
Repetitive gripping and pulling activities, which can include:
Work tasks
Everyday activities at home
Golfing
Pitching
Golfer’s elbow occurs most often in those 20-50 years old.
How to treat it
A certified hand therapist, or a physical or occupational therapist who has specialized training in the care of arm and hand conditions, can help alleviate the elbow pain and other symptoms.
Therapy often starts with conservative treatment measures, including education about how to modify your regular activities to reduce stress on your tendons and allow them to heal. This will also aid in preventing recurrence of golfer’s elbow.
In addition, a therapist can show you proper stretching and strengthening exercise. Your therapist will also determine if additional treatment is necessary. This may include:
Heat
Ice
Ultrasound
Soft tissue mobilization
Electrical stimulation
Golfer’s elbow can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with the right treatment, you can heal your tendons and get back to your everyday home, work and recreational activities.