Elbow Supports

Golfer's Elbow Treatment 101: What Works Best for Long-Term Recovery?

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

The front part of the arm contains a number of muscles that are responsible for the movement of the digits of the hand. These muscles and tendons come together to form a sheath which originates from the elbow joint. One of the joints on the inside of the elbow is the medial epicondyle. When the muscles and tendons around the medial epicondyle get damaged or inflamed, the condition is referred to as golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis. It is similar to tennis elbow, with the only difference being that it affects the inner elbow while the former affects the outer region. The elbow moves because of the flexing of the muscles attached to the medial and lateral epicondyle. Damage to these muscles renders the elbow unable to move causes excruciating pain.

Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

• Stiffness - The muscle when damaged usually tightens itself and thus creates stiffness in the joint. Making a fist or grasping things becomes a painful task. This may also include inflammation of the muscles.
• Growing Pain - The first signs of golfer’s elbow is sharp pain on the interior side of the elbow. Once the muscles have been damaged or torn, the slightest movement of the joint can cause pain.
• Weakness - The damaged muscles can no longer work efficiently and hence one might experience weakness while using the arm for any activity. If the nerve is also damaged then the arm is rendered completely useless.
• Inability to Work - There are a number of activities that one might not be able to do with golfer’s elbow. Picking up things, grasping something, lifting heavy objects, turning knobs, squeezing something, etc.

What Are The Causes of Golfer’s Elbow?

Excessive and repeated stress on the medial epicondyle is the main reason for golfer’s elbow. There a number of other reasons that contribute in worsening the condition, or making it vulnerable to damage.

• Golfers are one of the most vulnerable to this condition and hence comes the name. The swinging motion of the golfer exerts pressure on the medial epicondyle thus causing damage to the muscles
• Sports that involve using a racquet are also main causes for this condition. The repetitive motion of the forearm strains the muscles causing damage and pain
• Throwing sports and all other sports that involve excessive use of the forearm can lead to a person acquiring golfer’s elbow
• Weightlifting in either sports or while working out are also causes of golfer’s elbow. Improper actions of lifting or pushing can cause a mishap and damage the muscles
• Age is also an important factor as the reducing elasticity of the muscles and weakening of the bones
• Obesity, alcoholism, and smoking are minor but still a few causes of golfer’s elbow

Precautions For Avoiding Golfer’s Elbow

Treatment Options for Golfer’s Elbow

Both surgical and non-surgical treatments are available to rectify golfer’s elbow, but surgery is recommended only in extreme conditions when all non-surgical means go in vain. Non-surgical methods are feasible and also are less painful and excruciating than surgery.

1. Braces - Braces are one of the most common treatment and rehab methods associated with golfer’s elbow. They support the elbow and provide a mechanism to restrict movement as well as absorb the stress and strain that is exerted on the elbow. The specially built mechanism of the brace allows a person to move the elbow without exerting pressure on the medial epicondyle.

2. Elbow Supports - Supports like compression elbow sleeve helps provide support and compression to the elbow joint.