Golfers Elbow Rehabilitation Tips

Golfers Elbow or Medial epicondylitis

Both of these conditions lead to inflammation and pain around the elbow.  Golfers elbow is a form of tendonitis and occurs on the inside of the elbow and the pain may radiate and spread to the wrist and forearm. 

Golfers elbow is caused by a weakness or fatigue in the muscles that close the fingers and bend the wrist inward, which makes the area more susceptible to injury.  When the muscle cannot contract properly the force is absorbed by the tendons which cause swelling and inflammation where tendons connect to the elbow.

Symptoms of Golfers Elbow

Golfers elbow is characterized by a variety of different symptoms which can include but is not limited to the following:

• Numbness or tingling: many people suffering from golfers elbow will feel a numbness or tingling sensation which radiates into one or more of the fingers, most commonly the index and ring fingers.
• Stiffness: a person might experience weakness in the wrist and hands.
• Pain and tenderness: it is common for people with golfers elbow to have pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow and sometimes the pain will extend outward on the inner side of the forearm.

The pain associated with golfers elbow can appear suddenly or come on gradually, and what a person experiences will vary according to several different factors.  The pain can grow worse when a person swings the arm, squeezes the muscles of the fingers, shakes hands, turns a doorknob or flexes the wrist inwards toward the forearm.

Causes of Golfers Elbow

Golfers elbow is primarily caused by damage being done to the tendons and muscles that control the fingers and wrist.  The damage is typically caused by repetitive motion or excessive overuse, also by particularly forceful finger and wrist motions.  Sometimes the condition can start because of a sudden force to the wrist or elbow.

Activities which can cause the damage which leads to golfers elbow include the following:

• Throwing sports:  improperly pitching a ball such as in softball or baseball, can lead to golfers elbow.
• Racket sports: excessive topspin can damage the wrist and elbow and cause golfers elbow.  Using a racket that is too heavy, small or too tightly strung can also lead to the person injuring the wrist or elbow.
• Other related activities:  A person, who rakes, hammers, chops woods, paints or types uses repetitive wrist, hand and arm motions can develop golfer’s elbow.

Risk Factors Associated with Golfers Elbow and Diagnosis

1. Middle-aged athletes
2. People who perform manual labor
3. Golf or sports played with a racket

Diagnosing Golfers Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is a condition which is normally diagnosed based upon a person’s medical history and a physical examination.  To make an accurate evaluation of the pain and stiffness the person experiences, a physician may apply pressure to the wrist or forearm and ask the person to move the part in various motions.  Other ways to diagnose golfer’s elbow can include an x-ray or doing an imaging study such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
 

Treatment for Golfers Elbow

Left untreated a person with golfer’s elbow will experience an increase of pain and a decrease in range of motion.  The sooner a person begins treatment or rehabilitation, the better the long-term outcome will be.  The following are ways in which golfers elbow can be treated:

• Resting the arm
• Icing the affected area
• Stretching and strengthening the area through physical/occupational therapy
• Reducing the work load put on the elbow
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
• Cortisone injections
• Surgery

Rehabilitation Tips and Exercises for Golfers Elbow

A person with golfers elbow can begin to a series of light stretching exercises immediately, which might reduce the level of pain and increase range of motion in the affected area.  Stretching exercises can include the following:

• Wrist flexion and extension: bend the wrist forward and backwards as far as painlessly possible.  A person can do three sets of ten repetitions to begin with and increase the frequency as comfort levels permit.
• Wrist stretching: using one hand, bend the opposite wrist down by pressing with the back of the hand and holding down for a count of 15-30 seconds.  Next, stretch the hand back by pressing the fingers in a backward motion and holding for a count of 15-30 seconds.  Keep elbow straight when doing the exercise and do a set of three repetitions on each hand.
• Forearm pronation and supination:  bend wrist at a 90° angle, turning the palm up and holding for a count of 5 seconds.  Slowly turn the palm of the hand down and hold for a count of 5 seconds, making sure elbow stays at the side and bent at the appropriate angle throughout.  Do three sets of ten repetitions and increase as comfort levels permit.

A person with golfers elbow can also do a series of strengthening exercises which can improve the symptoms experienced from the condition.  Strengthening exercises can include:

• Wrist flexion: hold a can or hammer handle in the hand with palm facing upward and bending the wrist upward as well.  Slowly lower the object and return to the beginning position, do three sets of ten repetitions.  Gradually increase the amount of weight used as comfort levels permit.
• Wrist extension: done the same way as wrist flexion except with palm facing downward.
• Resisted elbow flexion and extension: holding a canned good with the palm of the hand facing upward, slowly bend the elbow so handing is being brought up to the shoulder.  Lower the arm slowly until the elbow is completely straight again, and repeat using other arm.  Do three sets of ten repetitions and slowly increase the amount of weight used over time.
• Grip Strengthening: squeeze a rubber ball in the hand and hold to the count of 5 seconds.  Do three sets of ten repetitions and increase the amount as comfortable.

There are also things that can be done to prevent golfer’s elbow such as strengthening the forearm muscles, stretching before activities, fixing form when playing sports, practicing smart lifting procedures and take a break before becoming over fatigued.  When experiencing golfers elbow it is important to avoid overstressing the affected regions and to be mindful of never overusing the area to the point of experiencing pain. 

Overview

When suffering from golfers elbow, it is important to remember never to work the arms or wrists to the point of pain.  If pain is experienced a person should stop whatever is being done and rest the limb.  With proper medical attention and following the advice of a licensed medical professional a person can manage the pain of golfers elbow and avoid any further damage and possibly prevent the need for surgical relief.