Elbow Supports

Golfer’s Elbow - Know Your Treatment Options

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

• Exercising your forearm muscles, improves the flexibility and the strength and in turn reduces the chances of them getting damaged due to overuse
• Warming up before any sport or activity will ready the muscles and get the blood flowing. This way the muscles will retain their elasticity and will not get stiff
• If you are involved in sports, then take care and always execute the correct movements as one small mistake can damage the muscles
• Allow the elbow to rest after an activity. Do not engage the muscles in repetitive actions over prolonged periods of time

 

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.

Advanced Orthopaedics Hinge R.O.M. Elbow Brace​

2. Elbow Supports - Supports and straps help in restricting the movement of the elbow and expedite healing.

Advanced Orthopaedics Premium Tennis Elbow Support	Advanced Orthopaedics Neoprene Tennis Elbow Sleeve With Strap

3. Elbow Pads - Pads and Immobilizers are usually accompanied with an inlaid cold or hot treatment system so that along with support, they help in healing the muscles and tendons of the joint.

AT Surgical Universal Elbow Immobilizer	AT Surgical A-T Elbow Train With Neoprene Pad

4. Elbow Cuffs - Cryo cuffs are specially made to deliver cold therapy to the elbow and help in healing the muscles and providing relief from pain and inflammation.

Aircast Elbow Cryo/Cuff

The elbow is an important joint and injuries in the elbow can force a person to cease basic activities. The right kind of treatment and rehab methods can easily and swiftly heal golfer’s elbow and also avoid surgery

Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.