Golfer’s Elbow: How to Overcome Medial Epicondylopathy and Treat Pain

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylopathy, is a common condition that causes pain on the inside of the elbow, where the forearm muscles attach to the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Though it’s often associated with golfers, up to 95% of those affected by this condition are not athletes. This condition is typically caused by repetitive stress, muscle overuse, or improper technique during physical activities that involve gripping, lifting, or throwing. The good news is that with the right approach, you can relieve pain and restore function in the elbow.

What is Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylopathy)?

Golfer’s elbow refers to pain and inflammation that occur at the common flexor tendon’s attachment point on the medial epicondyle of the elbow. The flexor-pronator muscles, which include the pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, and flexor digitorum superficialis, can become overworked through repetitive movements like gripping, throwing, or lifting. This stress leads to microtearing of the tendon fibers, which in turn causes pain, inflammation, and limited mobility.

Common Causes of Golfer’s Elbow

The primary cause of golfer’s elbow is repetitive overuse of the forearm muscles. Activities that require frequent gripping, twisting, or repetitive arm motions can strain the tendons and lead to injury. Some common causes include:

Sports Activities: Golf, tennis, baseball, racquet sports, bowling, and weightlifting are common culprits. Golfers are most vulnerable from the top of their backswing to the impact with the ball.
Occupational Factors: Jobs that require repetitive motion or gripping, such as carpentry, plumbing, or manual labor, can increase the risk.
Poor Technique or Overuse: Inadequate warm-up, improper technique, and overuse without rest can all contribute to the development of golfer’s elbow.

Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

Symptoms of golfer’s elbow typically include:

Pain and Tenderness: Pain on the inner side of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm.
Weakness: Grip strength may decrease, making it difficult to perform daily tasks like shaking hands or lifting objects.
Stiffness: Difficulty fully extending the arm, especially during certain activities.
Swelling: In some cases, there may be visible swelling around the elbow joint.

Treatment Options for Golfer’s Elbow

1. Rest and Activity Modification

Taking a break from activities that exacerbate the condition is crucial for recovery. Rest allows the tendon to heal and prevents further injury. Activity modification, such as reducing the intensity or frequency of repetitive movements, is also helpful.

2. Ice Therapy and Pain Management

Applying ice to the elbow can help reduce inflammation and pain. Using an ice pack for 15-20 minutes several times a day can alleviate symptoms. Additionally, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce swelling and pain.

3. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Stretching and Strengthening: A physical therapist will guide you through a series of stretches and strengthening exercises designed to restore flexibility and strength to the forearm muscles. Eccentric exercises, in particular, are highly effective in treating tendinopathies.
Soft Tissue Manipulation: Techniques such as myofascial release or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) may help break up adhesions and improve healing

4. Counter-Force Bracing

Using a counter-force brace or elbow strap can help reduce the load on the medial epicondyle and relieve symptoms by dampening the forces on the tendons during activities like gripping. However, this should be avoided if cubital tunnel syndrome is present.

5. Injections and Advanced Therapies

Corticosteroid Injections: In cases of severe pain, corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief, though their effects are generally short-term.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from your blood into the affected area to stimulate healing.
Shockwave Therapy: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) can be an effective treatment for chronic tendon injuries by promoting tissue healing

6. Surgical Intervention (In Severe Cases)

If conservative treatments fail after several months, surgery may be considered. Surgical options typically involve debridement of the damaged tendon tissue or the removal of degenerated tissue. Success rates for surgical treatment are high, with more than 80% of patients experiencing significant pain relief.

Preventing Golfer’s Elbow

Preventing golfer’s elbow involves several strategies to reduce the risk of strain on the tendons:

Warm Up Properly: Always warm up before engaging in sports or activities that involve repetitive arm movements.
Use Proper Technique: Correcting form, especially in sports like golf and tennis, can reduce the risk of developing golfer’s elbow. Using properly sized equipment can also help minimize stress on the elbow.
Strengthen and Stretch: Regularly performing stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles can keep the tendons flexible and resilient.
Rest and Recovery: Taking regular breaks from repetitive activities and allowing the elbow to recover is essential for preventing overuse injuries.

Golfer’s elbow can be a painful and limiting condition, but with the right treatment approach, you can recover and return to your normal activities. Rest, physical therapy, pain management, and lifestyle modifications play a crucial role in the healing process. If you are struggling with elbow pain, Cole Pain Therapy Group is here to help.

Our team specializes in treating Golfer’s Elbow and other musculoskeletal conditions. We provide personalized care to help you heal effectively and get back to enjoying a pain-free lifestyle. Contact us today to start your recovery journey.

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Dr. Richard L. Cole, DC, DACNB, DAIPM, FIACN, FICC
Dr. Jeffrey D. Luebbe, DC, CCRD, CCSP
Dr. W. Steven Vollmer, DC, DAAPM
Dr. Bradford J. Cole, DC, MS, CSCS
Dr. J. Colby Poston, DC
Dr. Daniel Smith, DC
2845 Summer Oaks Dr., Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340

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