Ways To Prevent And Manage Golfer's Elbow

Golfer's elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the tendons connecting the forearm and elbow. This ailment frequently impacts athletes, musicians, and others whose work involves doing repetitive arm motions for more than two hours a day. Pitchers, painters, tennis players, and bowlers are at an elevated risk of the injury, too. Patients with golfer's elbow experience pain on the inner side of the elbow, and this may radiate along the inside of the forearm. The elbow may become very stiff, and patients may be unable to make a fist without pain. Some patients may feel their arms and hands are weaker than normal, and they may also have tingling sensations in the fingers, particularly in the ring and little fingers.

Golfer's elbow can be caused by overuse, improper form, poor equipment, and inadequate rest. To diagnose this condition, the doctor will gently press on areas of the patient's hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder, and they will check the patient's range of motion. In some cases, an x-ray might be necessary, and patients with severe symptoms may need more advanced imaging studies for a comprehensive evaluation.

Stretch And Strengthening Exercises

Stretch and strengthening exercises can help relieve the stiffness and pain associated with golfer's elbow. Orthopedists and physical therapists can teach patients the specific exercises most appropriate for their symptoms. Patients who suspect they may have golfer's elbow should always ask for professional advice before doing any stretches or strengthening exercises with their arms. Doing the wrong exercises, using the improper technique, or doing too many repetitions can cause additional damage and delay recovery. Most exercises for golfer's elbow involve flexing the wrist and fingers, and elastic bands are sometimes used for certain stretches.

Some stretches may be slightly uncomfortable. To reduce the pain of any exercise, patients may wish to gently massage the forearm or elbow during the stretch. Exercises that progressively load the tendon are especially effective for golfer's elbow, and these can be demonstrated by a physical therapist. Patients who experience increasing pain after doing these exercises for a few days could have a more serious condition, and they should see an orthopedist for a thorough evaluation.

Brace For The Affected Arm

Using a brace for the affected arm may enable patients with golfer's elbow to rest their arm more effectively. Rest is one of the most frequently recommended treatments for this condition, and it is sometimes all that is needed to resolve mild cases. Using a brace keeps the arm and wrist in proper alignment, supports and cushions the arm, and prevents wearers from making unnecessary movements. In doing so, the brace promotes faster and more complete healing.

Doctors advise patients to wear a brace each night while sleeping, and patients may wish to wear it for a few hours during the day as well. It is important for recovery that the brace not be worn for too many hours a day or for too many days. Patients should follow the instructions of their doctor or physical therapist when deciding how long to use a brace. When selecting a brace, patients should choose an appropriate size. In general, braces available from doctor's offices may provide better support than those available at drugstores.

Pain Relief Medication

Golfer's elbow can cause significant pain that often gets worse with activity. In severe cases, the pain may be constant and not resolve with rest. Pain relief medication is generally needed to reduce pain and enable patients to fully move their arm. Some patients may obtain adequate pain relief from over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen. For others, stronger pain relievers can be prescribed by a doctor.

The use of ice packs or heating pads may provide additional pain relief. While corticosteroid injections were traditionally used to provide pain relief for this ailment, these injections are no longer recommended since they are not effective in the long-term. Researchers are currently investigating the use of platelet-rich plasma injections as a possible source of pain relief for golfer's elbow.

Use Appropriate Equipment

Since golfer's elbow is often caused by repetitive motions in sports or occupations, the use of properly-sized, high-quality equipment may help reduce the risk of this injury. In particular, doctors advise patients to use appropriate equipment when doing tasks involving heavy lifting and resistance. For example, individuals who regularly participate in golf should ensure their golf clubs are an appropriate size and weight for their body and technique.

Painters should opt for ergonomic equipment that allows them to paint as freely as possible, and musicians should make comfort a high priority when choosing instruments and bows. Individuals who have questions about what equipment may be most appropriate for their needs may want to ask a coach, friend, trainer, or medical professional for suggestions. Anyone who frequently uses their arms and hands for work, sports, or leisure should regularly evaluate the comfort of equipment and make changes as necessary.

Practice Proper Form

Proper technique in sports, painting, music, and other repetitive activities is crucial in the prevention of golfer's elbow and similar conditions. Athletic coaches and music teachers routinely advise their students to practice proper form, as doing so keeps the forearms, elbows, and wrists aligned, and it places the least possible strain on muscles and tendons. Individuals who use proper form are able to perform required movements fluidly and safely.

Due to anatomical differences, proper form itself may vary slightly from individual to individual. Finger length, hand size, arm length, and muscle strength should all be considered when deciding on the most effective technique for each person. Adaptations can be made as needed to promote fluidity and ease of movement. Patients who have golfer's elbow may need to make additional adaptations to their form while they recover.