You do not need to play golf to experience an elbow injury termed golfer’s elbow. Also called medial epicondylitis, golfer’s elbow is a painful tendon condition on the inside of the elbow. Golfers, tennis players and others with repetitive elbow use can experience this condition. Dr. Steven Struhl is a top orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon who offers golfer’s elbow treatment at his clinics in NYC and Westchester.
Causes and Symptoms of Medial Epicondylitis
Repetitive use of the elbow when swinging a golf club or tennis racket can cause golfer’s elbow. The strain on the forearm tendons when clenching or gripping can create tears or stretching in the affected tendons. Working on a computer or other workplace repetitive motions can also cause golfer’s elbow. The symptoms include:
- Stiffness in the elbow
- Pain on inside of elbow when gripping or making a fist
- Increased pain when gripping an item while lifting or swinging
- Tingling or weakness in the forearm, wrist and hand
Golfer’s elbow symptoms can begin slowly, worsening over time. Eventually, the symptoms may limit elbow and hand function, restricting your activities.
If you have symptoms of golfer’s elbow, there are treatments that can relieve pain and improve function. Conservative treatments may include restricting movements and resting the tendons. OTC anti-inflammatory medications can also be used to relieve the pain. To restore strength and function, physical therapy may be effective. Only when conservative treatments do not offer relief should surgery be considered for medial epicondylitis.
Golfer’s elbow can restrict your arm movements, causing pain and weakness. Golfer’s elbow treatment will relieve the pain and restore your arm strength, getting you back to work or to enjoying your favorite sport. Contact us at Shoulders & Knees orthopedics to schedule an appointment with Dr. Struhl to discuss the best treatment options for your elbow injury.
