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What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is a condition associated with pain on the inside of the elbow where tendons of your forearm attach to the bony prominence (medial epicondyle). It is also called medial epicondylitis and is caused by injury or irritation to the tendons which can become painful and swollen.

Besides golf, activities such as baseball or lifting a heavy bag or suitcase may also cause medial epicondylitis, hence the terms “baseball elbow” and “suitcase elbow” are also used.

Causes of Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is an injury that can occur due to sports such as golf, tennis, basketball, archery etc. which can involve overuse of the arm and wrist.

Other causes include:

  • Improper technique while weightlifting or throwing.
  • Certain occupations such as carpentry, plumbing etc.

Smoking and obesity may increase the risk of injury.

Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

The symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:

  • Pain on the inside of the elbow
  • The stiffness of the elbow
  • The weakness of the affected hand
  • Numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers
  • Difficulty moving the hand

Diagnosis of Golfer’s Elbow

Your doctor will review your medical history and daily activities. A physical examination is performed where elbow movement and pain are assessed. An X-ray or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan may be ordered to visualise the elbow joint.

Treatment of Golfer’s Elbow

Non-surgical Methods

Golfer’s elbow can often be treated by conservative methods such as:

  • Resting
  • Application of moist heat to the region of pain
  • Use of elbow wraps
  • Mild massage to the painful area
  • Stretching exercises

Surgery for Golfer’s Elbow

Surgical intervention is necessary if you do not respond to conservative methods after about 6 months. Open surgery is usually performed to treat golfer’s elbow although an arthroscopic technique may also be used.

Surgery involves the following steps:

  • Local or general anaesthesia is administered.
  • An incision is made over the medial epicondyle.
  • Your surgeon detaches the common origin for tendons attached to the medial epicondyle.
  • Damaged and degenerated tendon tissue is removed without injuring the surrounding ligaments.
  • Microfracture of the medial epicondyle is performed where numerous small holes are drilled into the bone to promote healing.
  • The common origin for the tendons is then reattached to the bone and the incision closed.

Post-operative Measures

  • Your arm is supported by a splint.
  • Your surgeon suggests light exercises such as sponge squeezing for the first few weeks.
  • You may begin resistance exercises after 6-8 weeks.
  • You may begin participating in sports after 6-8 months.

Risks and Complications Associated with Surgery for Golfer’s Elbow

Surgery for golfer’s elbow may be associated with certain risks which include:

  • Elbow ligament injuries
  • Nerve injuries
  • Hematoma
  • NHS
  • The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
  • 
British Elbow & Shoulder Society
  • Swor and D

Hospitals Attended

  • Stratford Hospital

    South Warwickshire
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Arden St, Stratford-upon-Avon,
    CV37 6NX
    Driving Directions
    NHS Secretary: Phae Maxwell

    Ext 4798
  • Nuffield Health
    Warwickshire Hospital

    The Chase, Old Milverton Lane
    Leamington Spa
    CV32 6RW
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • Warwick Hospital

    South Warwickshire
    NHS Foundation Trust
    Lakin Road, Warwick,
    CV34 5BW
    Driving Directions
    NHS Secretary: Phae Maxwell

    Ext 4798
  • The Grafton Suite,
    Building One

    Stratford Hospital, Arden Street
    Stratford-upon-Avon
    CV37 6NX
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • The Cherwell Hospital

    Oxford Rd, Banbury
    OX16 9FG
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

    (NHS)

    (Private)
  • Spire Parkway (Solihull)

    1 Damson Pkwy,
    Solihull B91 2PP,
    United Kingdom
    Driving Directions
    Private Secretary: Becky Wyatt

  • South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
  • Nuffield Health
  • 
The Grafton Suite - South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
  • Swor and D
  • Swor and D