About Golfers Elbow – Causes, Symptoms, and Solution
When the tendons inside of the forearm suffer irritation, inflammation, and pain, it results in what is known as the Golfer’s Elbow. This condition often happens as a result of repeated use of the hand, wrist, and forearm. This pain may sometimes spread into the forearm and wrist.
The golfer’s elbow is somehow related to the Tennis Elbow. People who repetitively use their wrists or clench their fingers are prone to developing this condition. The pain may prevent an individual from partaking in daily activities. However, a few steps and a guide from a physiotherapist can get you back to action within a short period. Getting the appropriate treatment and rest can fasten the recovery time.
Causes
Often known as medial epicondylitis, a damaged muscle and tendons for controlling the wrist and fingers are responsible for the cause of the golfer’s elbow. This is heavily connected to repetitive stress or when you force the wrist and finger motions. When you improperly lift, throw, or hit an object, this may also contribute to the golfer’s elbow.
A few sporting activities may cause you to develop a golfer’s elbow, such as weight flight, without following the right technique or guides. When you curl the wrist during bicep training, this will cause overloading of both tendons and muscles. Furthermore, moving forcefully during repetitive tasks can result in a golfer’s elbow.
Other sports such as racket sports also contribute to this condition. For example, the tennis stroke technique, especially the backhand stroke, can result in the golfer’s elbow injuring the tendon. Topspin, small racket, heavyweight racket, and other factors may lead to injuring the tendon as well.
Symptoms
- A stiff elbow can be a symptom of a golfer’s elbow. At times, it may feel hurtful trying to make a fist
- At times, the wrists and fingers may become weak
- Feeling numb or tingling as sensation may radiate into fingers. This is most common with the ring and little fingers
- Feeling of pain and tenderness usually on the elbow. At times, the pain can extend to the inner part of the forearm. Certain movements may sometimes cause excruciating pain
Risk factors
The chances of developing a golfer’s elbow can be high if an individual is
- 40 years old or more
- Smoke regularly
- Engage in certain repetitive activities for a minimum of 2 hours daily
- Obese
Prevention
A couple of activities can help in preventing the golfer’s elbow. Some of these preventive measures include:
- Stretching your arms before engaging in any task can help prevent this condition. You may take a walk or jog for three to five minutes to warm up the body. Stretching for a few minutes before the game will also help to prevent it
- Avoid using the wrong equipment. If you play golf using old golfing irons, it is important to upgrade to a lighter one. Get a suitable racket to play tennis. Not using the right tools for these activities can result in a golfer’s elbow
- Proper lifting of items such as free weights requires keeping the wrist rigid and stable. This will help in reducing the force to the elbow
- Rest is essential. Avoid overloading or overusing your elbow. Know when to take a break immediately you notice pain in the elbow
Seeing a physiotherapist
Most elbow pain often heals on its own, especially when you use ice or take NSAIDs drugs. However, there may be a need to see a physical therapist if these measures fail to work and pain persists. It is important to visit a physiotherapist immediately if:
- There is hotness and inflammation in the elbow, coupled with fever
- Inability to bend the elbow
- If there is a feeling of a broken bone
- The elbow looks deformed
References
* Contact Reach Physiotherapy for a list of references used for this blog content.
