Golfer`s elbow

Golfer`s elbow or medial epicondylitis is a condition when the inner part of the elbow becomes painful and tender, usually as a result of a specific strain, overuse, or a direct bang. Sometimes no specific cause is found. Although called golfer’s elbow, it is much more commonly seen in people who are over using their arm doing something else. It could equally well be called “plasterer’s elbow” or “mechanic’s elbow” or “painter’s elbow”.

The most common cause is overuse of the muscles, which are attached to the bone at this part of the elbow. That is to say, the muscles, which pull the hand forwards (the wrist flexors). All the flexor muscles of the hand attach to the elbow at the inner part (the medial epicondyle). If they are strained or over used they become inflamed, which means they are swollen, painful and tender to touch. Sometimes, especially when the cause is direct injury or strain, the muscles are actually partially torn.

Treatment
Rest helps, with avoidance of the activities, which overuse the elbow.
Physiotherapy treatments, the use of anti inflammatory drugs and ordinary pain killers (analgesics) may help. Your doctor may suggest an injection of a small dose of steroid to the affected area.
A brace from a sports shop or pharmaceutical supplier can be helpful.

Surgery
Candidates for surgery are usually those who have had symptoms for more than 6-12 months despite non-surgical therapies. Surgery involves a small incision over the elbow to trim the tendon and to release the tendon from the bone. You will get absorbable sutures.

Rehabilitation
The most important exercise at the beginning is to stretch and extend your elbow as if reaching out. Support the operated arm by putting your opposite hand under the upper arm on the operated side and fully extend and stretch your elbow. You can achieve a better result by holding a bottle of water (0,5 – 1 litre) in your hand. Hold this position for a few minutes every hour. For the best possible result it is important that you start rehabilitation as soon as possible. You need to see a physiotherapist three weeks after surgery for further exercises for movement, strengthening, stability and endurance.

General advice
Most patients return to work within 3-6 weeks, but if their job requires heavy lifting, climbing or throwing return may be delayed several weeks. Full recovery and return to pre-injury athletic activities occurs within 3 – 6 months.