Golfer’s Elbow, medically termed Medial Epicondylitis, is a repeated injury caused by tears in your forearm muscles. This may then cause pain from your elbow to your wrist. The tendons in your forearm may also become inflamed and tender, making it difficult to use your arms fully.

Despite what the name implies, many people can develop Golfer’s Elbow without being golfers. While Golfer’s Elbow is often a painful condition, it is not without treatments. Here we explain what Golfer’s Elbow is, how it may be caused, and how to find the best Golfer’s Elbow treatment for you.

For personalised advice, contact our team at 13th Beach Health Services today.

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s Elbow is a form of tendonitis that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons connecting your elbow and forearm. If you are experiencing pain on the inside of your forearm, elbow stiffness, or pain from using your hands, you may be suffering from Golfer’s Elbow.

If you are not sure if you have Golfer’s Elbow, your physiotherapist may be able to help you identify what could be causing your pain and how best to address it.

Causes of Golfer’s Elbow

While golfing is an activity that may aggravate or cause this condition, any form of exercise where you repeatedly bend your wrists and arm may contribute to Golfer’s Elbow.

The repeated motions of using your arm and wrist can build up muscle tears over time, weakening your arms and causing discomfort and pain. These motions can be caused by golfing, tennis, gardening, lifting, carrying, and even typing.

Though Golfer’s Elbow may be caused by these repetitive movements over time, it may also be caused by a sudden increase in motion. If you don’t usually do extensive activity and spend a day at the tennis court, the sudden activity may overextend your muscles and weaken them.

Similarly, if you experience a sudden impact to the inside of your elbow, your muscles can be damaged. This can be caused by something falling on your arm, or perhaps knocking into an open doorway at speed. If left untreated, these injuries or muscle tears may worsen, resulting in Golfer’s Elbow.

Golfer’s Elbow Treatment

If your physiotherapist has diagnosed you with Golfer’s Elbow, there are a range of treatments they may be able to use for you.

Under their supervision, your physiotherapist may recommend exercising with weights. This aims to help slowly stretch out your muscles while also rebuilding your strength to reduce pain and discomfort.

Your physiotherapist may also help you with icing the injury to reduce inflammation or strapping the injury with a brace. Though these treatments may reduce pain, they are only temporary treatments and will not address the underlying causes or concerns.

Most exercises take several weeks to begin taking effect. Though it will most likely take time for improvement, speaking with your physiotherapist is the crucial first step to addressing your pain. If none of these treatments work for you, your physiotherapist may help you discuss other options, like medication, you can take to your doctor.

Home Remedies

One of the best at-home treatments for Golfer’s Elbow is rest. Avoiding sports or work that may force you to make repetitive movements with your wrist and arm may help your tendons improve over time.

Similarly, ice, massage, or wrist braces are great ways to help relieve pain, but will most likely not treat the core issues.

If you are suffering from persistent wrist and forearm pain, it is recommended that you speak with a physiotherapist. They will aim to work with you and come up with a treatment plan aimed towards preventing further injury.

Coping With Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s Elbow can be a debilitating injury, causing pain and inhibiting your ability to function from day to day. Whether you’re a determined athlete or just a hard worker, Golfer’s Elbow does not discriminate against who it could affect. If you are experiencing pain across your forearms and wrists, struggling to use your hands properly, or suffering from hand numbness, you should speak to a physiotherapist.

At 13th Beach Health Services, we are always happy to help and aim to diagnose any injuries quickly. With our plans, we aim to personalise treatments for your body and find ways to reduce pain and help you heal. If you are suffering from consistent wrist and forearm pain, don’t hesitate to call us today.

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