Golfer’s Elbow
If you’re lucky enough to be planning a golfing getaway this season, golfer’s elbow is a condition that may well be on your mind. Golfer’s Elbow is characterized by pain, soreness, stiffness and/or tenderness on the inside of the elbow, sometimes accompanied by numbness, weakness, and/or tingling in the hands or fingers. This painful condition can also be experienced by tennis players and anyone else who repeatedly uses their wrists or clenches their hands in a similar fashion. Although it can be experienced by tennis players, golfer’s elbow is not the same as tennis elbow; tennis elbow affects the distal side of the elbow.
Golfer’s Elbow symptoms may worsen when performing movements that involve the wrist or clenching, like shaking hands or even turning a door handle. The pain may be sudden or gradual.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, firstly rest the afflicted area and apply over the counter anti-inflammatory medication, hot and cold treatments, or similar non-invasive home remedies. Schedule an appointment with a medical professional, especially if it’s a recurring issue. A specialist can help identify and correct issues with your posture that could be putting undue stress on the area, prescribe assistive devices, recommend exercises and stretches, and more.
Golfer’s Elbow generally is not serious, but if you cannot move your elbow, see what looks like deformity in the area, are experiencing inflammation in the area accompanied by fever, or are experienced a severe level of pain, seek attention immediately. You may have a broken bone or another issue exacerbated by Golfer’s Elbow.
To speak with our hand and wrist orthopedic specialists, request an appointment. We work in conjunction with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine experts, and wellness professionals, all of whom can help in fixing current issues and avoiding future pain.
