What we Treat / Golfers Elbow
Golfers Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) is characterised by pain over the inner elbow, which may radiate down the forearm. Despite the name, Golfers Elbow does not just affect golfers. In fact, this painful elbow problem is most often associated with work-related activities. Golfers Elbow is equally common in men and women, peaking in prevalence between the ages of 30 and 50.
Golfers Elbow begins as inflammation of the flexor tendons of the forearm (located on the inner side of the arm), as they attach to the Humerus (upper arm) bone. This inflammation is usually caused by prolonged gripping activities such as hammering, driving screws, weight lifting, playing certain musical instruments, canoeing, digging in the garden and driving. If these activities are continued, then the inflammatory nature of Golfers Elbow can give rise to a chronic tendon problem that is characterised by pain, weakness and degeneration of the tendon. This elbow problem can then be very persistent and much more difficult to treat.
Golfers Elbow is very easy to diagnose. There is pain when the medial epicondyle (innermost part of the elbow) is touched. There is pain if the elbow is straight and the hand is moved forward and back at the wrist. The pain is made worse by gripping activities and, in some cases, simple things like turning a door handle can cause intense pain.
During the early phase of Golfers Elbow, when it is characterised by inflammation, our physios will apply cold therapy and electrotherapy. Rest is important but if it's not possible to rest completely then a compression strap (elbow support) can be very effective at reducing the stress on the painful area, whilst allowing the user to continue with activities. We have such supports for sale in our retail section of the clinic.
Once the severe elbow pain has subsided rehabilitation under the supervision of one our Physios can cure the problem and prevent a recurrence. A progressive strengthening programme using resistance bands has been shown to be the best long term approach to Golfers Elbow.
