At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, we understand the amount of frustration that your elbow sports injury can cause. Between our two offices located in Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia, we have over 50 years of experience helping many recover from arm injuries, including golfer’s elbow.
Contact us today to restore your peace of mind, knowing that your elbow will be in good hands with us!
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is a condition that affects the tendons and forearm muscles from the elbow to the wrist on the inside of the elbow. These muscles and tendons bend the wrist toward the palm. Through overuse or excessive force, the tendons can develop tiny tears. Over time these become inflamed and cause elbow pain.
Other names for golfer’s elbow include baseball elbow, suitcase elbow, or forehand tennis elbow.
What Are the Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow?
The symptoms of golfers’ elbow can take weeks or months to develop. Common symptoms include the following:
- Pain on the inside of your elbow when performing certain activities
- Weakness and stiffness in the hand and forearm
- Pain when bending or straightening the elbow
- Tenderness and pain when touching the affected area on the inner side of the elbow
- Loss of grip strength
- A cracking or popping sound in the elbow with certain movements
How Common Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow only affects about 1% of the population. You are more likely to get it between 40 and 60 years of age.
Golfer’s elbow is less common than tennis elbow. The possibility of developing golfer’s elbow is equal for both men and women.
The Causes of Golfer’s Elbow
There are many ways that you can develop golfer’s elbow. You could develop golfer’s elbow even if you don’t play golf. Work-related overuse injuries are another possible cause. Below are some of the ways that you can develop golfer’s elbow.
- Overuse of the forearm muscles
- Repetitive gripping, swinging, and throwing motions
- Poor technique in golfing or performing other sports
- Muscle strain from lifting weights
- Inflammation of the tendons
- Weak wrist and forearm muscles
- Over-stretching the elbow joint
- Not stretching properly before exercise
How Is Golfer’s Elbow Diagnosed?
Your doctor will usually only need to perform a physical exam to diagnose golfer’s elbow. You may be asked to place your arm on a table with your palm facing upward. Your doctor will then ask you to raise your hand by bending your wrist. If you have pain on the inside of your elbow, you are likely to have golfer’s elbow.
Treatment of Golfer’s Elbow
Initial treatment of golfer’s elbow includes resting from movements that have caused the pain for a period of at least 6 weeks. Other treatments for golfer’s elbow may include the following:
- Rest: Give the affected arm a break from activities that may cause elbow pain or discomfort.
- Ice: Applying an ice pack to the elbow can reduce inflammation and soreness.
- Compression: Wear a compression bandage or sleeve to help reduce swelling and support the joint.
- NSAIDs: Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Splinting: Use a splint or brace to limit movement of the elbow and provide additional stability.
- Physical therapy: Strengthening exercises and stretches prescribed by a doctor or physical therapist can help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected area.
- Ultrasound therapy: High-frequency sound waves delivered through an ultrasound machine can help promote healing in the affected area.
- Corticosteroid injections: Injections of corticosteroid medication into the affected area can reduce inflammation and associated pain.
How to Prevent Golfer’s Elbow
The list below contains a few suggestions that can help prevent you from developing golfer’s elbow.
- Gentle stretches for your forearm: You can include these with a warm-up before, during, and after the activity.
- Change your sports equipment: Use an oversized/cushioned grip on your golf club or tennis racket until you develop proper form.
- Pre-season training program: Develop strength and mobility to help your golf swing during the off-season.
Book Your Appointment
Golfer’s elbow can cause a lot of discomfort and affect your daily tasks. The orthopedic physicians at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow are experts in sports medicine to help treat elbow sports injuries. They can help with many elbow conditions. Our offices can be found in Marietta and Atlanta, GA.
Don’t delay in seeking treatment for golfer’s elbow. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!
