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What is golfer’s elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain on the inner side of the elbow and may extend along the inner side of the forearm. It is similar to tennis elbow, which occurs outside the elbow. Golfer’s elbow is caused by overuse or strain, primarily through repetitive motions that involve gripping or flexing the wrist.
The condition affects tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. These tendons are connected to the muscles that flex your wrist and fingers, and the stress and strain on these tendons can lead to small tears and inflammation. Despite its name, a golfer’s elbow does not just affect golfers. It can occur in anyone who repeatedly uses their wrist or clenches their fingers, including tennis players, bowlers, and even people who engage in activities requiring repetitive hand motions like typing or knitting.
What causes golfer’s elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is primarily caused by the overuse of muscles in the forearm that allow you to grip, rotate your arm, and flex your wrist. Repeated use of these muscles can lead to small tears in the tendons that attach the muscles to the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. Causes of golfer’s elbow include:
- Repetitive stress: repeatedly performing the same motions, such as swinging a golf club or throwing, can strain the muscles and tendons.
- Forceful activities: forceful, repeated activities like hitting a golf ball or throwing a baseball can overload the elbow structures.
- Improper technique: using incorrect technique in sports or other activities can stress the elbow joint and surrounding muscles unnecessarily.
- Inadequate equipment: using sports equipment unsuitable for one’s body size or strength can increase the risk of a golfer’s elbow. For example, using a golf club that is too heavy.
- Insufficient warmup: not warming up properly before physical activity can lead to muscle and tendon strain.
What are the symptoms of golfer’s elbow?
The symptoms of golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) develop gradually and can include:
- Pain and tenderness: the most common symptom of golfer’s elbow is pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow, where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump (medial epicondyle). This pain may also extend into the forearm.
- Stiffness: the elbow may feel stiff, and making a fist might be painful.
- Weakness: there may be weakness in the hands and wrists.
- Numbness or tingling: some people experience numbness or tingling that radiates into one or more fingers, usually the ring and little fingers.
- Pain during activities: the pain typically worsens with certain movements, such as swinging a golf club, shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or lifting weights.
Repetitive motion or increased forearm muscle activity can often exacerbate the symptoms. If the condition worsens, symptoms may occur with more frequent activities or even at rest.
Is golfer’s elbow a painful condition?
Yes, a golfer’s elbow can be a painful condition. The pain is localised around the inner part of the elbow and may extend along the inner side of the forearm. The intensity of the pain can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the activities being performed. For some people, the pain may be mild and only occur during certain activities, especially those involving wrist flexion or forearm rotation. However, for others, the pain can be severe and persistent, possibly even interfering with daily activities.
Pain from a golfer’s elbow may also worsen with specific movements, such as gripping objects, twisting the forearm, or making a fist. The discomfort can be sharp during activity or a dull ache that persists even at rest, especially in more severe cases.
Who is at risk of a golfer’s elbow in Singapore?
In Singapore, as elsewhere, the risk of developing golfer’s elbow is not confined to any specific group but can affect individuals who engage in activities that put repeated stress on the forearm muscles and tendons. Factors that might increase the risk of developing golfer’s elbow in Singapore include:
- Sports participants: golfers are at obvious risk, but so are participants in other sports that involve repetitive arm motions, such as tennis and badminton, which are popular in Singapore.
- Occupational risk: individuals with repetitive wrist and arm movements, such as construction workers, painters, cooks, and those in certain manufacturing jobs, may be at a higher risk.
- Musicians: playing musical instruments, especially those that require repetitive wrist and finger movements, can increase the risk.
- Age and fitness level: individuals typically between the ages of 35 and 50 are more likely to develop golfer’s elbow. Those with less muscle strength or flexibility might be at higher risk.
- Lifestyle factors: engaging in new physical activities without proper conditioning or technique can increase the risk of overuse injuries like golfer’s elbow.
How is golfer’s elbow diagnosed?
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and sometimes imaging tests:
- Medical history: your specialist will ask about symptoms, activities that may be causing pain, and any history of injury or overuse of the arm.
- Physical examination: your arm, particularly the elbow, will be examined. This examination might include applying pressure to the affected area or movement of the elbow, wrist, and fingers to assess where the pain is located and how it affects movement.
- Imaging tests: although not always necessary, imaging tests like X-rays can rule out other causes of elbow pain, such as fractures or arthritis. In some cases, more advanced imaging, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be used to assess the severity of the tendon damage.
What are the treatment options for a golfer’s elbow in Singapore?
Treatment for golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) typically involves a combination of non-surgical and, in more severe cases, surgical methods. The main goal is to relieve pain and inflammation, promote healing, and prevent recurrence. Here are the common treatment options for golfer’s elbow:
- Rest and activity modification: it is crucial to avoid activities that cause pain and stress on the elbow. Modifying movements or changing equipment (like using a more suitable golf club or ergonomic tools) can help prevent further strain.
- Ice and heat application: applying ice to the affected area several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain. After the initial acute phase, using heat can help relax and loosen tissues and stimulate blood flow to the area.
- Pain relief medications: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: a physical therapist can teach exercises to stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles. Physical therapy may also include modalities like ultrasound, massage, or muscle-stimulation techniques to promote healing.
- Bracing or splinting: wearing a brace or splint can help reduce strain on the injured tendons and muscles, allowing them to rest and heal.
- Steroid injections: corticosteroid injections may sometimes be used to reduce severe pain and swelling. However, these are generally used sparingly as they weaken tendons over time.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: in some cases, PRP injections are used to promote healing. This involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets directly into the affected area to stimulate tissue repair.
The treatment plan often starts with the most conservative approaches, such as rest and physical therapy, and progresses to more invasive options only if necessary. The treatment choice depends on the severity of the condition, the individual’s activity level, and the response to initial treatment measures.
If you are suffering from golfer’s elbow, please schedule an appointment with us today for a thorough diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions
Preventing golfer’s elbow recurrence involves practising proper technique in sports and activities, using appropriate equipment, engaging in regular strength and flexibility exercises for the forearm, and avoiding overuse.
While golfer’s elbow is commonly associated with golf, it can result from any activity that involves repetitive wrist flexion or forearm rotation, including tennis, throwing sports, and certain types of manual work.
Recovery time can vary, ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to treatment.
Golfer’s elbow usually affects one arm, often the dominant one, but it can occur in both arms if the activities causing the strain are bilateral and repetitive.
Total Pain Specialist