Golfer’s Elbow

21 Jul Golfer’s Elbow

What is Golfer’s Elbow? Golfer’s Elbow is pain in the elbow caused by overuse of the arm, forearm and hand, and can also be caused by injury to the muscles and tendons inside the elbow. Golfer’s elbow is very similar to tennis elbow in that is specifically affects the place where the muscles and tendons of the forearm attach to the bony area of the elbow. However, golfer’s elbow affects the muscles and tendons inside the elbow whereas tennis elbow affects the muscles and tendons outside the elbow.

Golfer’s elbow commonly affects people in their dominant hand, and  golfer’s are not  the only ones who are at risk for golfer’s elbow. Tennis players, weight trainers with poor technique, gardeners, mechanics, assembly line workers, and anyone who does any activity that requires a repetitive motion of the arm is at risk. Golfer’s elbow can also be caused by direct injury such as falling and landing on the elbow. If left untreated, golfer’s elbow can cause weakness in the hands  and wrist as well as stiffness in the elbow.

You may have golfer’s elbow if you have:

• slowly increasing pain around the inside of the elbow
• weakness, stiffness and a general restriction of movement
• pain that is made worse when making a fist or twisting the forearm.

Like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow can only be diagnosed by your doctor and is often treated by :

• physical therapy
• forearm bracing
• anti inflammatories
• topical cortisone gels
• cortisone injections

If you have golfer’s elbow, the goal of your treatment will be to reduce pain, promote healing and decrease stress to the injured elbow. Most of the time, golfer’s elbow can be eased with rest, ice, and a brace. Few people with this condition will need surgery, but those that do will need surgery before they can fully heal.

Proper treatment and rehabilitation exercises are important when treating golfer’s elbow. If you’ve experienced an elbow injury recently or in the past, call us today to set up an appointment. We can show you ways to strengthen your elbow and protect yourself from future injury.