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.