Golfers Elbow

Everyone has heard of tennis elbow, but some people also suffer from a similar problem. Golfer's elbow or medial epicondylitis, occurs when the flexor tendons that attach to the inner side of the elbow become inflamed due to injury or overuse. In golfers this can also occur due to the trauma of the golf club coming to an abrupt stop when it hits the turf or another object.

Medial epicondylitis occurs in people in their late 30's to early 50's. It usually starts as a dull ache while using the elbow and can progress to being painful all the time, even when lifting or grasping objects.

This is often easily treated. Start with icing your elbow 15-20 minutes each day. A bag of frozen corn or peas will mold to your elbow and can be reused. You should try to rest the arm and avoid activities that aggravate the pain. A strap can be used just beyond your elbow on your forearm to reduce the stress on the flexor muscles. There are some stretching exercises that you can do as well.

If the pain does not resolve in a few days consider seeing your doctor. They may recommend an anti-inflammatory medication or suggest an injection of cortisone. The injection is to quiet down the inflammation and allow your body to quickly start the healing process.

In rare instances, even with medications, therapy and injections, the pain does not get better. In some cases surgery is needed. The surgery involves removing the damaged part of the flexor tendon and then sewing it back to the bone. The surgery is done as an outpatient procedure and most people are able to get back to work in about 3-6 weeks.