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In this video, Airrosti’s Travis Owens, DC discusses the mechanics, causes, and symptoms of medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow). He also discusses the traditional treatment options for this injury and how Airrosti’s approach is different.
Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer’s elbow, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that connect the upper arm to the elbow. Golfer’s elbow is an overuse injury that can cause pain on the inside of your elbow (medial epicondyle) and may radiate into the forearm.
This common injury is very similar to tennis elbow, which is another soft tissue injury that can appear on the outside of the elbow. Both are forms of tendonitis.
Despite the name, you don’t have to be a golfer to suffer from this condition. It’s usually caused by overusing the forearm muscles that allow you to grip, rotate your arm, and flex your wrist. Any repetitive flexing, gripping, or swinging (such as swinging a golf club) can cause pulls or tiny tears in the tendons.
Your risk of developing golfer’s elbow increases if you:
Golfer’s elbow is characterized by pain and tenderness on the inside (medial side) of your elbow. The pain may extend along the inner side of your forearm and typically worsens with certain movements.
Symptoms of medial epicondylitis also include:
Treatment plans for medial elbow pain involve a combination of rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. Your doctor may recommend a steroid injection to reduce pain and swelling if more conservative treatment is not effective. You can also use an elbow brace to help reduce tendon strain.
In some cases, physical therapy can be used to help fully restore strength and range of motion to the injured elbow.
The most important element in traditional care is tendon rest. Depending on how severe your condition is, you may need to rest your elbow and use ice packs for several weeks. Failure to seek proper medical care may result in the injury becoming more severe or chronic, which can be more difficult to treat.
Chronic pain in the elbow, forearm, and wrist can keep you from enjoying the activities you love most. Elbow injuries can severely impact athletes and active individuals, keeping them from doing the activities they love.
If nagging soft tissue injuries are throwing you off your game, chat with an Airrosti provider today at no cost.
Airrosti treatment can effectively resolve injuries in as few as three visits (based on patient-reported outcomes). In most cases, you can continue your normal level of activity for the duration of your treatment. You’ll also receive individualized at-home exercises to further speed recovery and help prevent injuries.
Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic
Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.
I have been playing golf all my life from recreational to collegiately and now a High School golf coach. The wear and tear of carrying the bag, and swinging at over 100mph, each time, really makes the body work! I love coming by from time to time and getting looked at just to make sure I can play golf...pain free! Much improvement experienced in a very short time!
by Anthony Milligan
