Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylalgia, involves pain and inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. It’s similar to tennis elbow but occurs on the inside rather than the outside of the elbow. This condition is caused by overuse or strain of the forearm muscles that are used to flex the wrist and fingers, leading to small tears in the tendon. While it’s named after golf, it can affect anyone who performs activities requiring repetitive gripping, wrist flexion, or forearm rotation.
Symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:
Applying ice to the affected area to reduce pain and swelling, and using techniques such as ultrasound or TENS for pain relief.
Joint mobilisations and soft tissue massage to improve elbow and wrist mobility and decrease muscle tension.
Graduated stretching and strengthening exercises targeting the forearm muscles. Eccentric exercises, which involve lengthening the muscle under tension, are particularly beneficial for tendon healing.
Advice on modifying daily activities and work ergonomics to reduce strain on the injured tendon. This could include adjusting how objects are gripped and using ergonomic tools.
Teaching patients about the condition, its causes, and how to prevent recurrence. This includes guidance on proper warm-up and stretching techniques before activities.
Being faced with an injury or being told by a health practitioner to undergo a particular treatment can be quite daunting. That’s why we are here to help you. You can book a 15-minute video consult to ask your trusted health practitioners any questions you may have on your mind. No judgement, no strings attached and most importantly, no fees!
