Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s Elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is inflammation and pain of the tendons that connect the forearm to the elbow.  Pain is generally experienced along the inside of the elbow near the bony point of the elbow (the funny bone), but can radiate down the arm and even into the hand.  It is caused by overuse, or “wear and tear,” of the tendons and muscles that attach the wrist flexors to the elbow.

Despite its name, the condition doesn’t affect only golfers.  It’s commonly seen in individuals who perform repetitive motions such as throwing, racket sports, rock climbing, and isn’t limited to physical activity.  Many patients experience irritation of the medial elbow from repetitive job tasks like typing, gripping, cashiering, or anything that requires repetitive wrist or elbow motions.

Medial epicondylitis can be either an acute injury (from a recent increase in activity) or a long term degenerative process (from overuse).  Both will cause pain in the same area, the inside of the elbow, but it’s important to determine which category you may fall into.

If the process is acute, many times reducing activity may allow the body to heal from the injury.  However, if the pain occurred without known causes and has been present for more than a couple weeks it may be degenerative in nature and may require further evaluation.

The exact process as to why the acute process becomes chronic is unclear, but it’s believed that a process known as apoptosis (cellular self destruction) is the root cause.  The tendons and muscles of the forearm that attach to the elbow begin to degenerate and the cells start to die.  As this occurs, the body is unable to heal naturally due to repetitive stresses, creating a chronic syndrome.  Now, for the ultimate question, how do we fix the process once it has begun?

Gentle range of motion exercises are a good way to begin the healing process and deal with the pain that may accompany the condition.  This condition weakens the muscle and tendons of the forearm, so strengthening these areas can also help with resisted wrist flexion and extension exercises.  Gentle stretching can also help to stimulate blood flow to the area and assist in the healing process.

If these “exercises” don’t help, it may be time to seek help from a health professional or your local physical therapist to help you get back to health.  If you experience tingling, numbness, weakness, or immobility of the arm, it may behoove you to seek advice from a medical professional.

There are many different “home remedies” that have become available for this condition which is one of the reasons why so many people deal with this problem.  Many remedies involve purchasing arm bands, healing pads, or ointments.  It is always wise to be smart with any “at home” purchase for a medical condition and it is highly suggested that you consult a medical professional.

Congratulations!  You are now smarter than you were yesterday!  :D