Looking at Golfer’s Elbow
Posted on June 27, 2010
Filed Under Pain Relief
Golfer’s elbow is also known as medial epicondylitis and it is a similar arm injury as that of tennis elbow or also lateral epicondylitis. This condition being golfer’s elbow is deemed as a form of cumulative or collective stress injury. It is believed that over the course of time, the repeated use and abuse of the forearm, arm and wrist muscles can cause a mini tear along the tendons of the said area. The muscle which is attached towards the flexor tendon and is also connected to the medial epicondyle or the inside of the elbow is the area wherein inflammation and pain exists.
The signs and symptoms of golfer’s elbow is also the same as that of its popular counterpart (tennis elbow). The only difference is the part on where the signs and symptoms manifest themselves. Pain along the inside or the medial part of the elbow is the standard symptom of golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis. Such pain normally aggravates when you flex or extend your wrist and may spread along the rest of the forearm. Certain activities which require the grasping or bending movement of the flexor muscles can very well amplify the symptoms.
Just like that of tennis elbow, you can also treat this painful condition with the use of non-invasive approaches; one fine example of golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow treatment involves the use of the R.I.C.E. method. This method involves resting the afflicted arm, applying ice along the inflamed area, using compression to ease the pain and elevating the injured arm to prevent bodily fluids from pooling along the area of damage.
There are also other modalities which can aid in the healing of the torn tendon which includes ultrasound and shockwave therapy. If in any case, non-invasive approaches do not eliminate the swelling and pain medial epicondylitis surgery will be suggested. Medial epicondylitis is often a chronic condition and may oftentimes take up several weeks or months before it ultimately heals.
