Golf elbow is a problem that affects both professional athletes and active individuals. It is one of the many conditions that our team of orthopedic doctors at New York Pain Care deals with on a regular basis. Golf elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, develops when the tendons running between the wrist and the medial epicondyle (the inside side of the elbow) become inflamed due to overuse or repeated motion. Wrist and arm movements could aggravate the inflammation, which can cause soreness or pain.
Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms
The symptoms of golfer’s elbow typically include:
Pain in the inner side of the elbow, which sometimes may radiate down the forearm towards the wrist.
Tenderness in the affected area, specifically over the bony bump on the inner side of the elbow (medial epicondyle).
Weakness in the affected arm, particularly when gripping or squeezing objects.
Stiffness in the elbow joint, which makes it challenging to extend or flex the arm fully.
Numbness or tingling that radiate from the elbow down to the fingers.
The pain and other symptoms may worsen with repetitive arm or wrist motions such as lifting objects, gripping a golf club, shaking hands, or twisting motions and usually improves with rest.
How to Treat Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow can be effectively addressed using various common treatment approaches, including:
Rest and Modification of Activities. Avoiding activities that exacerbate the symptoms and give your elbow adequate rest promotes healing.
Ice and Heat Therapy. Applying ice packs or cold compresses to the affected area on multiple occasions throughout the day for 15-20 minutes will help decrease inflammation. Using heat and cold can also help with pain relief and blood flow.
Pain Medication. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Your doctor will help determine the right type of medication and appropriate dosage.
Physical Therapy. The affected muscles can be strengthened and stretched using specific exercises carried out under the supervision of a physical therapist.
Brace or Splint. Wearing a brace or splint around the forearm will provide support and relieve tension on the tendons, allowing them to recover.
Steroid Injections. Corticosteroid injections may be administered in severe cases to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). ESWT is a non-invasive treatment that involves directing shockwaves to the affected area to stimulate healing and reduce pain.
Surgery. If conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgical options such as tendon repair or debridement may be considered as a last resort.
Our orthopedic specialists provide both surgery and non-surgical treatments for Golfer’s Elbow. Moreover, most occurrences of Gofer’s Elbow are successfully treated without any surgical intervention. Consultation with a specialist, comprehensive physical examination, and diagnostic tests will help determine the most effective therapeutic approach for your specific case.
New York Pain Care, the premiere center for pain management in New York, provides relief for thousands of state residents. From minor pain to sports injuries and degenerative diseases, our team takes pride in providing treatment for whatever may be affecting our patients. Relief for elbow, hand and wrist pain and other maladies is closer than you think when you consult the doctors at NYPC.
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