Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis or medial epicondylalgia, is a condition that causes pain and discomfort on the inside of the elbow. It is named golfer's elbow because it is commonly seen in individuals who play golf, but it can also affect people who participate in other activities involving repetitive gripping or wrist movements.
Golfer's elbow is an overuse injury that occurs when the tendons on the inside of the forearm, which attach to the inner side of the elbow, become irritated from recurrent or sudden overload. This can happen due to repetitive activities that strain these tendons, such as swinging a golf club, throwing a ball, or using tools like hammers or screwdrivers.
The main symptom of golfer's elbow is pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow. The pain may also extend down the forearm and can be aggravated by activities that involve gripping, lifting, or bending the wrist. It can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and can hinder sports activities.
Treatment for golfer’s elbow usually involves relative rest, modifying activities that worsen the pain, and applying ice or massage over the surround muscles to reduce pain. Over-the-counter pain medications and using a brace or strap around the forearm can also help reduce symptoms. However, the best impact on resolving this condition is starting a Physio tendon-rehab program. Physiotherapy exercises are able to help unload the tendon thickening, which causes much of the pain, but also strengthen the muscles around the region (especially around both the wrist and elbow joints) to ultimately address the reason the tendon became under great load initially. Alongside this, hands-on treatment such as massage and mobilisation techniques or dry needling can reduce pain experienced at the elbow. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or, rarely, surgery may be considered.
With proper treatment and modifications to activities, most people with golfer’s elbow can recover and find relief from pain. Its important to be assessed by a OHL Physiotherapist to guide suitable exercises and activity modifications and ensure a correct diagnosis as some conditions can create similar symptoms such as cervical radiculopathy, nerve entrapment at the elbow, MCL injury, tendon avulsion and elbow joint impingement.
If this problem is preventing your from living comfortably or enjoying valued activities and sports please do not delay them in presenting to an Optimal Health Lab Physiotherapist ASAP for assessment. You can book by calling 9431 5955 or you can book online via our Client Portal on our website.
