Golfers Elbow

The medial epicondyle is the ‘funny’ bone on the inside of the elbow Medial epicondylitis, or “golfer’s elbow”, is similar to the more common lateral epicondylitis (“tennis elbow”) in many respects The muscles that bend the wrist down start at this point Forceful and repeated bending of the wrist and fingers can cause tiny ruptures of the muscle and tendons in this area of the elbow Both conditions are overuse tendinopathies often associated with racquet sports and golfing During the golf swing, the flexor muscles and tendons must tighten to hit the ball Similar tasks requiring repeated bending of the wrist, gripping, grasping and turning the hand are common activities that cause medial epicondylitis Small tears in the muscle can begin to heal on their own when the injured part is rested, but when re-injured by continued use, become scarred and painful
Symptoms include tenderness and pain at the medial epicondyle, made worse by bending (flexing) the wrist

Abnormalities at the shoulder and pelvis can also contribute to problems at the elbow Weakness and dysfunction of the shoulder stabilizers, along with tightness and reduced range of motion, force the wrist and elbow to compensate and produce/absorb forces they were not designed to deal with Weakness and in-flexibility of the ‘core’ muscles decrease swing velocity and control, thus forcing the arms to again produce/absorb forces they were not designed to deal with

Sport Specific Biomechanics: Valgus (internal or medial) stresses are placed on the elbow by activities such as throwing and golfing Valgus stress on the medial elbow is especially high during the late cocking and acceleration phases of the throwing motion Golfers place this area under stress during their swing: from the top of the backswing to just before ball impact (Hannah, 1994)

Treatment: RICE: Rest, Ice for 15-20 minutes 2-3 times a day, Compression if swollen, and Elevation Massage to break up adhesions and scar tissue within the forearm followed by ice and rest will rapidly help to alleviate the symptoms If the symptoms persist your doctor may prescribe anti-inflamatories, physiotherapeutics including iontophoresis, ultrasound and cold laser Bracing is often a very temporary fix for the problem

Pain with activity is a sign that irritation is occurring Try to avoid movements and activities that increase pain Problems can be avoided by taking frequent breaks as you work or play, improving overall arm, shoulder and core conditioning, and limiting heavy pushing, pulling or grasping

Bryan Fass, ATCL, CSCS

Training Director – Precision Fitness – Personal Training Centers
Bryan is a licensed Athletic Trainer as well as a National Strength and Conditioning Association – Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Co-author of Play Better Longer! – Peak Performance and Injury Prevention for Golf

Contact Info:
Precision Fitness
8311-4D Magnolia Estates Dr
Cornelius, NC 28031

http://wwwncprecisionfitnesscom

Tags | biomechanics, cocking, epicondyle, epicondylitis, flexor, golfers, impact, lateral, motion, muscles, pelvis, racquet, ruptures, stabilizers, tendons