by Brandon Minhas, Physiotherapist
Do you see a bony bump on your elbow’s inside? It is where your forearm muscles and tendons attach. The place is sensitive and is often prone to injuries. Golfer’s elbow is one of the injuries that affect that bony bump. The pain is so unbearable that it spreads to your wrist and forearms also. Many people think that golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are the same. Although they have many similarities, the origin of the pain is slightly different. Even tennis players may have golfer’s elbow.
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
This injury affects the outside of your elbow. It swells quickly, making it difficult to move your arm. Golfer’s elbow happens to anyone who clenches their fists or uses their wrists repeatedly. Adequate rest and proper treatment can help you surface back into your favorite golf course quicker than you expect. But how will you understand if you have golfer’s elbow? Here are a few symptoms you need to keep in mind.
1. Stiffness
Golfers need to have a free swing of their golf-stick while playing. However, you may experience a stiff elbow suddenly. You try to exercise vigorously, but the stiffness won’t go. This is the first symptom of golfer’s elbow. The tendons and muscles near your elbow become stiff and will not budge even a millimetre.
2. Searing pain
The pain starts from the inside of your elbow and slowly spreads to your wrists and fists. You will feel as if someone is pricking your elbow with a million needles, and you can’t do anything about it. Sometimes the pain subsides. During that time, your elbow becomes tender. Moving the elbow usually starts the searing pain, and it stays for minutes.
3. Tingling or numbness
You may not feel your elbows when the pain becomes unbearable. This is another symptom of your growing golfer’s elbow problems. The elbow becomes numb. Your fingers have a tingling sensation, making you twitch them frequently.
4. Weakness
Many people take painkillers to get instant relief from their golfer’s elbow. But that will not cure the problem once and for all. It will leave you with a weak arm. You will not be able to move your elbow for long periods. The pain comes and goes when you have golfer’s elbow. It starts with mild pain, which grows gradually.
Causes of Golfer’s Elbow
Medial epicondylitis or golfer’s elbow takes place when you damage your tendons and muscles, controlling your finger and wrists. These muscles and tendons start from your elbows and end at the tip of your fingers. That’s why you feel a tingling sensation on your fingers and wrists after having golfer’s elbow. Some of the most prominent causes of this condition are improper tennis strokes, improper pitching while playing baseball, improper weight training, and activities like plumbing, carpentry, and construction.
Curing Golfer’s Elbow
Stretching activities, lifting weights properly, strengthening your forearm muscles, and resting your arms can prevent and cure golfer’s elbow. You can also go to a chiropractor for advanced treatments.
Brandon Minhas
Physiotherapist
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