Golfer's Elbow
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles from repetitive gripping, arm rotation or flexion of the wrist. This results in small tears in the tendon, pain at the inner elbow which may radiate along the forearm & inflammation.
CAUSES:-
Overuse & repeated movements.
RISK FACTORS:-
• tennis & other racket sports
• bowling
• baseball
• golf
• weight lifting
• rowing
• high risk occupations eg. plumbers, cooks, painters, regularly working at a computer
SYMPTOMS:-
Symptoms of may develop slowly through overuse or suddenly due to injury.
• pain when flexing the wrist toward the forearm
• pain at the inner elbow that may radiate to the wrist
• a weak grip
• pain when shaking hands
• stiffness and difficulty moving the elbow
• tingling sensation from the elbow to the fingers
• a weak wrist
DIAGNOSIS:- This should be diagnosed by a medical professional but an indicator will be if pain is experienced when flexing the wrist during the following test. Lay the forearm on a table with the palm up. Ask someone to apply pressure to the hand & then flex the hand towards the wrist.
TREATMENT:-
• Rest & stop the activity which causes the tendonitis
• A splint may support to the elbow
• Ice packs
• anti-inflammatories eg. ibuprofen
• strengthening exercises
• steroid injections to reduce inflammation
• surgery (rare)
• plasma-rich protein injections
PREVENTION:-
• strengthening exercises
• learning proper techniques during activities
• stretching before & after activity
• stopping activity if there is pain
EXERCISES
- Reverse tyler twist (see picture)
- Ball squeezes
- Finger extensions
- Squeeze all five fingertips together & stretch a rubber band around them. Extend the fingers away from each other as far as the rubber band will allow.
- Wrist extensions
- Place the injured forearm on a table, with the hand suspended over the edge. Hold a 0.5kg weight in this hand, & slowly raise & lower it.
- Forearm pronation & supination
The Reverse Tyler Twist for Golfer’s elbow.
