Golfer’s elbow is a painful tendonitis that causes inflammation to the attached bones inside your forearm and elbow. This condition is primarily seen in golfers but can be present in other athletes or people who use their arms in repetitive swinging motions. At Dines Orthopedics, our orthopedic surgeon in Mineola, NY, has treatment options and services available for an injury such as a golfer’s elbow, 

 

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Medial epicondylitis, known as golfer’s elbow, tends to be caused by inflammation from the tendons inside the elbow, usually affecting your dominant arm. People feel stronger on their dominant side, but unfortunately, a golfer’s elbow can significantly weaken that arm if treatment is not met for recovery. 

 

CausesOrthopedic surgeon in Mineola, NY

This condition occurs when your wrist and arm are repeatedly used to bend, twist, or hold anything. This motion happens the most when golfers grip and swing their golf clubs over and over. This condition isn’t limited to golfers; these types of motions can also occur at your workspace or even at home, where any repetitive wrist, hand, or forearm motions can lead to a diagnosis of a golfer’s elbow. Another cause of the golfer’s elbow is weight training. 

While lifting weights improves strength training, you can also overwork your elbows by putting unnecessary stress on them without proper techniques. Other sports can cause a golfer’s elbow, such as if you play tennis with improper technique. Also, sports that involve quick and harsh throwing methods raise the risk needed for treatment for a golfer’s elbow. These additional sports may include: 

  • Baseball
  • Softball
  • Football
  • Archery
  • Javelin throwing
  • Bowling

 

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of golfer’s elbow can take weeks or even months. The first symptom experienced is usually constant pain in your inner elbow, which can worsen over time, making treatment for the golfer’s elbow imminent. Other symptoms may include: 

  • Weakness in hands and wrists
  • Numbness in hands, wrists, or fingertips 
  • Difficulty or pain when moving
  • Pain, tenderness, or inflammation in the elbow or inner side of the forearm

 

Treatment

For treating a golfer’s elbow, a medical provider will need to know when the pain started to determine the main cause of the injury. Our orthopedic surgeon in Mineola, New York, will examine the areas of pain near your elbow to determine the specific movements that cause issues. MRI Ultrasound, CT scans, or bone scans can be used to determine the injury concerning your pain and used as a form of treatment. 

  • The first treatment for a golfer’s elbow that a doctor will suggest is rest. Stay away from any sports or activities for six weeks to provide the arm with a break and receive a full recovery. 
  • A doctor will advise ice on your forearm and elbow while taking anti-inflammatory medication to ease the pain. 
  • Wear a brace during the day or a night splint to ensure the elbow is not aggravated further and heals correctly. 
  • Physical therapy can rehabilitate the golfer’s elbow. A physical therapist will work on strengthening exercises and arm movements for you to do to aid your recovery process while preventing future injuries and improving mobility.   

 

Orthopedic Surgeon In Mineola, New York. 

When surgery is necessary for treating a golfer’s elbow, our orthopedic surgeon in Mineola, New York, has the right treatment services for a fully successful recovery. At Dines Orthopedics, we can treat pain and injuries such as golfer’s elbow that interfere with everyday activities. Contact us online to request an appointment today, or call us at 212.744.2474 for more information.