‘Golfer’s Elbow’ (Medial Epicondylitis) is similar to its counterpart – ‘Tennis Elbow’, but the main difference is the location of the pain and the activities that cause and provoke the symptoms. Golfer’s elbow exhibits local pain and inflammation around the inside of the elbow joint in the region of the medial epicondyle on the humeral bone.
Causes: The injury is normally associated with overuse, repetitive strain or direct trauma to the tendons on the medial aspect of the elbow. The repetitive actions of wrist flexion and extension during various sports and activities may cause excessive stress on the tendons. Consequently, this may cause an inflammatory process with subsequent symptoms and loss of function.
Symptoms & Diagnosis: Pain located on the inside of the elbow joint is the most common complaint which is normally aggravated by sports that require repetitive motions of wrist flexion and extension. Other activities such as gardening, writing, computer work, DIY work, gripping, carrying shopping bags, lifting objects and driving are commonly reported to be the causative factor or problematic during the acute phases.
Management: Physiotherapy will help to reduce pain and inflammation in the local area and a support may be advised to help control the symptoms in acute phases. A skilled physiotherapist will provide rehabilitation and advice to help alleviate the problem and prevent the condition from becoming recurrent. In severe cases, onward referral may be required along with subsequent intervention to assist with the management of the problem.
Please feel free to contact the G4 Clinic to speak to a member of the team for any questions that you may have.