What is a golfer's elbow?

Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is characterised by pain on the inside of the elbow due to inflammation at the point of insertion of the tendons of the flexor muscles of the wrist and the hand. These symptoms are often seen in golfers.

Causes

The symptoms are caused by excessive stress on the tendons of the lower arm that attach to the inside elbow bone. The excessive stress is usually caused by repetition of the same movement, which can occur during laborious activities such as working on a production line, practising sport or painting, but also during less heavy labour such as ironing or working at a computer can lead to symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

The major sign is the pain that develops on the inside elbow bone while using the elbow, when working or practising sport for example. The pain can radiate in the lower arm and certain stiffness may also be felt.

How is a golfer's elbow diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made according to the patient's pattern of symptoms and an examination of the elbow. During this examination severe pain is felt when pressure is put on the inside elbow bone. There are also a few specific tests that can elicit the pain characteristic to this condition. In one of these tests the patient flexes the elbow while at the same time the doctor blocks this movement.

Do I need additional examinations?

  • Diagnostic examination for other non-physical factors important for your pain, have already been done by yourself trough filling out your pain questionnaires.
  • In case of the complaints persists: X-rays, ultrasound.

What are my treatment possibilities?

Multidisciplinary Treatment

Depending on the cause of your pain, your pain specialist will decide whether or not to embark on physical treatment. Based on the results of the completed pain questionnaire, additional examinations can be carried out and, apart from physical treatment, other methods of treatment will be suggested.

Non-physical Treatments

If the results of your pain questionnaire are abnormal, your pain specialist will offer you one of the non-physical treatments listed below:

Physical Treatments

Medication

Other Treatments

Interventional Pain Treatments

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