Image Source: https://myofitness.com.au/golfers-elbow/
Horary!! Summer is here, and the golf courses have been busy - maybe you even got out and played a few rounds.
But then you notice your elbow has started to hurt....maybe it's Golfer's Elbow!
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is the common name for a tendon condition on the inside of the elbow. The technical term for golfer’s elbow is medial epicondylitis.
Golfer’s elbow is a repetitive use injury, meaning it occurs over time rather than as a result of a specific incident. There are multiple signs and symptoms of golfer’s elbow, as well as contributing factors.
What causes Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is caused by repetitive use of the wrist flexors. These are the muscles on the inside of your forearm that flex your wrist and fingers.
Whenever we use muscles and tendons, we cause small amounts of tearing in these structures. This tearing is completely normal. Our body will then activate a response that heals those small tears, and will heal things back stronger than what they originally were.
However, if our body is not given adequate time to heal, we cause more small tears on top of the already existing ones. If this is done repeatedly, over time the lack of time to adequately repair the tendon adds up and we have a tendon that causes pain when it is used. When this occurs on the inside of the elbow, it’s called golfer’s elbow.
Contributing Factors to Golfer’s Elbow
This condition is called golfer’s elbow because of its prevalence with golfers, though this can occur with multiple activities.
Things such as
Any repetitive motion of the wrists and/or fingers can be a contributing factor. These repetitive movements are what can cause the repetitive strain on the wrist flexor tendon and lead to golfer’s elbow.
Signs and Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow - 3 Most Common
Symptoms of golfer’s elbow can vary, though there are 3 Main symptoms that are present in the majority of cases.
Treatment of Golfer’s Elbow
Typically, treatment of golfer’s elbow consists of a program including wrist stretching and strengthening.
Progressive strengthening and loading of the tendon is important to promote tendon healing and strengthening.
Though these are common components of a treatment program, treatment of golfer’s elbow is dependent on the sensitivity of the structure and the structures involved.
Therefore, a program put together by a qualified physiotherapist is optimal for developing a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
How long does it take to heal golfer’s elbow?
Typically, golfer’s elbow will resolve in 6-16 weeks depending on how long it has been present.
When should I see a physiotherapist?
To have the best chance at minimizing chronic golfer’s elbow, physiotherapy is ideally accessed at the onset of symptoms.
I have tennis elbow. Is it the same thing?
Tennis elbow is the same type of injury as golfer’s elbow, but occurs on the outside of the elbow instead of the inside.
Should I use a brace?
Bracing such as a compression brace around the forearm can be useful in reducing symptom severity, and can have positive effects on rehabilitation overall.
Bracing options are best discussed with your physiotherapist to ensure the brace is properly selected and fitted.
But then you notice your elbow has started to hurt....maybe it's Golfer's Elbow!
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is the common name for a tendon condition on the inside of the elbow. The technical term for golfer’s elbow is medial epicondylitis.
Golfer’s elbow is a repetitive use injury, meaning it occurs over time rather than as a result of a specific incident. There are multiple signs and symptoms of golfer’s elbow, as well as contributing factors.
What causes Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is caused by repetitive use of the wrist flexors. These are the muscles on the inside of your forearm that flex your wrist and fingers.
Whenever we use muscles and tendons, we cause small amounts of tearing in these structures. This tearing is completely normal. Our body will then activate a response that heals those small tears, and will heal things back stronger than what they originally were.
However, if our body is not given adequate time to heal, we cause more small tears on top of the already existing ones. If this is done repeatedly, over time the lack of time to adequately repair the tendon adds up and we have a tendon that causes pain when it is used. When this occurs on the inside of the elbow, it’s called golfer’s elbow.
Contributing Factors to Golfer’s Elbow
This condition is called golfer’s elbow because of its prevalence with golfers, though this can occur with multiple activities.
Things such as
- racquet sports,
- throwing sports,
- weightlifting, and
- occupations with repetitive wrist motions such as carpentry and plumbing can be contributing factors.
Any repetitive motion of the wrists and/or fingers can be a contributing factor. These repetitive movements are what can cause the repetitive strain on the wrist flexor tendon and lead to golfer’s elbow.
Signs and Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow - 3 Most Common
Symptoms of golfer’s elbow can vary, though there are 3 Main symptoms that are present in the majority of cases.
- Pain and/or weakness of grip,
- pain on the inside of the elbow, and
- tenderness on the inside of the elbow
Treatment of Golfer’s Elbow
Typically, treatment of golfer’s elbow consists of a program including wrist stretching and strengthening.
Progressive strengthening and loading of the tendon is important to promote tendon healing and strengthening.
Though these are common components of a treatment program, treatment of golfer’s elbow is dependent on the sensitivity of the structure and the structures involved.
Therefore, a program put together by a qualified physiotherapist is optimal for developing a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
How long does it take to heal golfer’s elbow?
Typically, golfer’s elbow will resolve in 6-16 weeks depending on how long it has been present.
When should I see a physiotherapist?
To have the best chance at minimizing chronic golfer’s elbow, physiotherapy is ideally accessed at the onset of symptoms.
I have tennis elbow. Is it the same thing?
Tennis elbow is the same type of injury as golfer’s elbow, but occurs on the outside of the elbow instead of the inside.
Should I use a brace?
Bracing such as a compression brace around the forearm can be useful in reducing symptom severity, and can have positive effects on rehabilitation overall.
Bracing options are best discussed with your physiotherapist to ensure the brace is properly selected and fitted.
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