What is a Golfer’s elbow?
Golfer’s elbow also known as Medial epicondylitis is an overuse injury of muscles in the forearm in which repetitive force places stress on connective tissues, causing pain, inflammation, and a reduced range of motion. It affects the inside of the elbow where tendons in the forearm muscle connect to the bony part. Tiny tears occur in the tendon at the point where they are attached to the bone. These tears result from repetitive movements like flexing, gripping, or swinging the arm.
Although medial epicondylitis is referred to as a golfer’s elbow, it can occur from any activity involving repetitive use of the arms or wrists, including tennis and baseball.
Golfer’s and tennis elbow are closely related as tennis elbow tendons on the outside of the joint are affected.
Also Read: Tennis Elbow
What are the symptoms of Golfer’s elbow?
It can occur suddenly or develop slowly over some time. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
• Pain and tenderness on the inside of your elbow, sometimes radiating down the arm to the wrist
• Stiffness in Elbow
• Weakness in Hand and Wrist
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers, especially the ring and little fingers
• Difficulty in moving the elbow making it difficult to complete everyday activities, such as picking up items, opening a door, etc.
What are the causes of the Golfer’s elbow?
Golfer’s elbow occurs due to damage to the muscles and tendons that control your wrist and fingers caused by excess or repeated stress — especially forceful wrist and finger motions such as repeatedly swinging a golf club or swinging a tennis racket using an arm. Other activities and occupations that can lead to golfer’s elbow, include:
• Racket sports.
• Throwing sports.
• Weight training.
• Forceful, repetitive occupational movements. These occur in fields such as plumbing, construction, and carpentry
• Activities like typing on the computer and playing an instrument
What are the risk factors for Golfer’s elbow?
• Age 40 or older
• Performing activity at least two hours a day repetitive
• Obese
• A smoker
How is the Golfer’s elbow diagnosed?
• Usually, diagnosis is based on physical examination and medical history.
• Physical examination may include applying pressure to your elbow, wrist, and fingers to check for pain, stiffness, or discomfort.
• Imaging studies – to rule out other possible causes of pain, such as a fracture or arthritis.
– X-ray of the inside of your elbow, arm, or wrist
– MRI
How is the Golfer’s elbow treated?
• Rest your arm.
• Apply ice or a cold compress. Wrap ice in a towel and apply to your elbow for up to 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day.
• Take over-the-counter (OTC) medication.
• Do stretching exercises.
• Wear a brace or wrap an elastic bandage around your elbow.
• If your symptoms don’t improve, your doctor may suggest surgery known as an open medial epicondylar release.
How to prevent a Golfer’s elbow?
• Strengthen your forearm muscles by lifting light weights or squeezing a tennis ball.
• Stretch before your activity.
• Fix your form. Whatever sport learn the correct techniques when exercising and playing sports
• Lift properly whenever lifting anything including free weights keeping your wrist rigid and stable to reduce the force to your elbow.
• Try not to overuse your elbow.
What are the commonly indicated homoeopathic medicines for Golfer’s elbow?
Homeopathy medicines help in reducing pain and inflammation and thus result in remission of all the symptoms.
• Arnica
• Rhus tox
• Ruta Graveolens
• Ledum Pal
• Argentum Met
• Plumbum Met
