GOLFER'S ELBOW Part 1

Written by: Melanie Talastas-Soriano BA-Kin, CAT(C), ISSA-CPT 
                      Athletic Therapist, Personal Trainer 
 
Golfer's elbow is a term used to describe an injury on the medial (inside) part of the elbow. The game of golf requires concentration, precision and full body motion that little movement like missing the ball, hitting the ground overuse movements or improper swing techniques can affect the wrist or elbow joint that may lead to inflammation of the tendon, medical term known as medial epicondylitis. 
 
Medial and lateral epicondyle  is where the flexor and extensor (forearm) muscle tendons are attached. Although the medial epicondylitis is not limited to golfers, there are other daily activities that can cause injury to the medial elbow. For example, cooking, painting, computer work and racket sports can also contribute to elbow pain. Improper or overuse wrist movements or gripping are other contributing factor in the development of medial epicondylitis. 
 
The pain you feel will be deep to the medial part of the elbow, by the bony prominence (epicondyle), you may also feel muscle soreness above and below the elbow joint. Tightness and stiffness on the forearms when trying to move your wrists can be present as well. Mild swelling or redness around the area can also be present.  
Acute epicondylitis: expected symptoms

• Sharp pain in the medial elbow 
• Sore forearm 
• Grip weakness 
• Pain during elbow movements 

Chronic epicondylitis: expected symptoms

• Dull pain in the medial elbow 
• Stiffness on the forearm muscles 
• Tight muscles with wrists movements and elbow movements 
• Medial elbow ache or throbbing throughout the day especially after a working day 

There are rehab exercises and self treatments you should try to aid your sore elbow. These recommendations will be on our next article Golfer’s Elbow Part II – Rehab.  
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