Golfer’s elbow – but I don’t play!

Golfer’s elbow also known as medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons that run along the inside of the elbow. They sustain damage due to some sort of repetitive motion performed by the hand, wrist or forearm.

It is quite possible to develop golfer’s elbow without ever stepping onto a golf course. Having said that this type of tendinitis is most often found in people who play golf.

This is because the motion required to swing golf clubs are exactly the ones that cause this type of damage. The fact that these movements are repeated over and over the same way each time makes these injuries almost inevitable.

For those who suffer from golfer’s elbow it commonly occurs in the dominant arm.

What other professions, sports or hobbies cause golfer’s elbow?

Any activity where the wrist is repeatedly flexed and twisted, and needs a tight grip such as:

• Weightlifting
• Assembly line work
• Archery
• Construction work
• Gardening
• Painting

In general, as we age, we are susceptible to suffering these type of tendon injuries through our daily routines. Once the injury occurs it can be exacerbated with simple everyday activities such as driving, D.I.Y. or something as simple as pouring a kettle!

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:

• Pain and tenderness, usually felt on the inner side of the elbow, the pain sometimes runs along the inner side of the forearm. The pain typically worsens with certain movements.
• Weakness in the hands and wrists
• Numbness or tingling sensations that might radiate into one of more fingers
• Stiffness in the elbow and making a fist might hurt

How do I help prevent golfer’s elbow?

• If you play golf consider upgrading to lighter graphite clubs
• Do some gentle stretches each day before performing your daily routine
• When lifting anything keep the wrist rigid and stable to reduce the force to the elbow
• Try not to overuse the elbow. At the first sign of pain, take a break
• Use light weights or squeeze a tennis ball. Even simple exercises can help the muscles absorb the energy of sudden physical stress

Treatment of golfer’s elbow

Golfer’s elbow gets worse if  you push through the pain so the first step would be to modify the activity that is causing the pain such as reducing the repetition or the duration of the activity.

Here at Heale’s Clinics, we will address the root cause of the pain, therefore a Chiropractic adjustment is one of the most effective treatments for correcting mechanical issues related to the wrist, shoulder or elbow

You will also be given advice on reducing inflammation with the use of ice packs. You may also need a brace, which are available from your Chiropractor.

Massage, stretches and exercises are also beneficial and can all be accessed at our clinics.

If you suffer from golfer’s elbow or you know someone who does,  Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, effective way to relieve golfer’s elbow without the many potential side-effects that come with surgery and prescription medications.

If you would like some further information or to speak to a member of our team please call us on: Hitchin 01462 420077 or Luton 01582 579687, alternatively e-mail us at: hitchin@healesclinics.com or luton@healesclinics.com.\