This condition, also known as medial epicondylitis, affects the inside of the elbow, where the muscles that flex the wrist attach. Despite its name, golfer’s elbow can occur in both athletes and those whose activities require forceful, repetitive movements – such as construction, plumbing, and carpentry.
This condition involves muscle strain caused by overuse. When the forearm muscles repeatedly contract, micro-tears can occur in the tendons that join the forearm muscles to the medial epicondyle – the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. Eventually, pathologic and painful scar tissue can form.
Golfer’s elbow is most common in people age 40 and older who perform repetitive arm activity for more than two hours a day. Those who are overweight and smoke are at a heightened risk.
This condition causes pain in the spot where forearm tendons attach to the outer elbow, especially when performing certain activities. The discomfort might radiate to the forearm and wrist. You may also experience weakness in your hands and wrists, elbow stiffness, and numbness and tingling in the fourth and little fingers.
After a thorough physical examination, our board-certified, fellowship-trained doctor may use imaging techniques such as MRI and x-ray to determine the type of epicondylitis and rule out other conditions.
Resting the affected elbow, applying ice packs, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers relieve symptoms for many. However, surgery may be necessary if conservative measures, including steroid injections and PRP injections, haven’t helped and the condition becomes debilitating.
If you are experiencing pain or weakness as a result of golfer’s elbow, contact Orthopedic Specialists. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained doctors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of all elbow conditions.
