With any sport, overuse of a particular part of the body can cause injury over time, and for golf, that may mean your elbow.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
A common condition many golfers endure is a form of tendonitis called medial epicondylitis. Sharp pain in the elbow is a common symptom as well as swelling due to tiny tears in the elbow. Pain begins in the elbow but can radiate down into the forearm.
Famous golfer Tiger Woods was forced to withdraw from a National competition in 2013 due to tenderness in his elbow. He began experiencing pain before the U.S. Open, and that pain along with swelling and weakness in the elbow are tell-tale signs of golfer’s elbow.
What Causes It?
Overuse of the muscles in the elbow typically trigger this condition and can affect your ability to rotate your arm or flex your wrist, all critical components of golfing. When repetitive motions are performed like gripping, swinging, or flexing, inflammation can result as well as tiny tears in the tendons.
How To Alleviate Pain
Although golfer’s elbow can be painful, some golfers may be able to treat their condition without having to stop golfing completely. Orthopedic treatment for elbow pain consists of applying ice, stretching the elbow as well as wearing a compression sleeve which will help to minimize inflammation as well as anti-inflammatory medications.
With some conditions, early detection means all the difference in the recovery; however, with golfer’s elbow, early detection isn’t common or proven to be helpful. Some golfers may be able to play through the pain if minor as rest does not usually cure elbow tendonitis. Seeking treatment is still recommended as an orthopedic specialist can determine if there is any other underlying cause for the pain as well as monitoring your symptoms.
To minimize discomfort, stretching is recommended. Golfing is muscle memory and a series of repetitive motion, so some levels of pain are possible even with continued treatment. To help avoid continuous pan, build strength in the elbow by implementing a low resistance exercise program as well as some weights into your workout. Work on swinging techniques as a poor swing can lead to increased discomfort.
Contact AICA Orthopedics For Immediate Treatment
When the first signs of golfer’s elbow present, to stay at the top of your game, contact AICA Orthopedics for all your sports injury needs. We will help treat and manage your symptoms to help you stay at your best, as well as provide you with prevention techniques to avoid future injuries. Call us today at (404) 855-2141 for an appointment!
