Golfer’s Elbow
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
An injury to the site of origin of the muscles that flex the wrist and fingers is termed as Golfer’s Elbow or Medial Epicondylitis. The site of origin of these muscles in on the inner aspect of the elbow, the bony bump on the inside of the elbow, known as Medial epicondyle.
As the name suggests it is seen in Golfers. However, it can affect anyone within the age group of 25-55 years involved in repetitive manual work where gripping is involved. Males and females are affected equally.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Golfer’s elbow?
- Pain on the inner aspect of the elbow and associated tender points in the muscle belly.
- Stiffness in extending elbow after prolonged rest,
- Pain increases with constant gripping action,
- Resisted finger and wrist bending produces pain,
- Stretching of muscles on the front of the forearm will produce pain.
Causes
Golfer’s elbow is caused by repeated injury to muscles (at its site, where it anchors on the inner aspect of elbow) that bends the wrist and fingers. It occurs as a result of excessive use or training of these muscles i.e. putting load more than the muscles can take.
Degeneration can set in these muscles tendons if tissues are in poor health leading to Tendinopathy. Such cases can also be referred to as chronic cases of golfer’s elbow. Degeneration can also result if the injury is overlooked for a considerable time period without any treatment.
Diagnosis
This condition can be clinically diagnosed by a physiotherapist easily. The history of injury and taking in consideration the contributing factors and certain manual provocating tests can help in establishing the diagnosis. Reverse Cozen’s and reverse Mill’s test are widely used provocative test to diagnose golfer’s elbow
Treatment
Physiotherapy treatment can effectively manage this condition. The Physiotherapist at Pain-Free Physiotherapy Clinic will work on the following areas to improve one’s condition-
- Pain reduction.
- Restoration of a normal joint range of motion and function.
- Restoration of normal muscle length, strength, and movement patterns.
Prognosis
Untreated cases of golfer’s elbows can trouble for 6 months to 2 years. The chance of reoccurrence is also high. Physiotherapy is an effective way of managing golfer’s elbow pain compared to other treatment options.
Call Pain Free Physiotherapy for more information about Golfer’s Elbow or If you need an appointment.
