Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain on the inner side of the elbow. Despite its name, this injury isn’t exclusive to golfers. It results from repetitive gripping, flexing, or swinging motions that overwork the tendons, leading to tiny tears and degeneration over time. This tendon damage can cause significant issues, including a persistent ache in the inner elbow that may radiate down the forearm, stiffness, and weakness in the hands and wrists. These symptoms can make everyday activities like shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or even lifting a coffee cup painful and difficult. If you’re experiencing elbow pain that interferes with your daily life or athletic pursuits, seeking expert orthopedic care is the most effective path to recovery. We are proud to provide comprehensive sports medicine care for golfer’s elbow in Central GA – keep reading to learn more.
What are the Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow?
The primary symptom of golfer’s elbow is pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow (the medial epicondyle). This pain might appear suddenly or develop gradually, often worsening with specific movements. Left untreated, this chronic strain on the elbow can cause persistent pain, weakness, reduced range of motion, and a progression to more serious tendon degeneration. This makes the damaged tendon more brittle, less elastic, and significantly harder to treat. The most common symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:
Pain and tenderness
Stiffness in the elbow
Weakness in the hands and wrists
Pain with specific movements, such as flexing the wrist or gripping something
How is Golfer’s Elbow Diagnosed?
At OrthoGeorgia, our orthopedic specialists use a thorough approach to diagnose golfer’s elbow and rule out other potential causes of elbow pain. A physical examination is the first step, where your doctor will apply pressure to the inside of your elbow and ask you to move your wrist and fingers in specific ways to assess pain and strength. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may also utilize advanced imaging techniques, such as:
X-ray:While X-rays don’t show tendons, they’re a reliable way for our specialists to rule out other conditions like arthritis or fractures that can cause similar symptoms. Digital X-rays are conveniently offered at all OrthoGeorgia clinic locations.
Ultrasound: Utilizes sound waves to create real-time images of the tendons, allowing your doctor to observe tendon damage, swelling, or tears as your arm moves.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images of the soft tissues. This helps the team visualize the extent of tendon degeneration and identify severe tears. MRI scans are available at our offices in Macon and Warner Robins.
Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow at OrthoGeorgia
The right treatment for golfer’s elbow depends on the severity of your symptoms and how they’re impacting your daily life. At OrthoGeorgia, our doctors are experts in both nonsurgical and surgical approaches, and we are ready to create a personalized care plan that effectively relieves your pain and restores elbow strength and function.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow
In many cases, patients can find relief from the symptoms of golfer’s elbow via nonsurgical treatment methods. A great starting point is the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol, a simple yet effective way to manage pain at home. By diligently following the RICE method, you can create the optimal environment for healing. The team at OrthoGeorgia will build upon this foundation with other tailored treatments to support your full recovery, including:
Splinting/bracing: The use of a brace or night splint can reduce tendon and muscle strain and promote healing.
Activity modification: Avoid activities that worsen pain, reduce the amount of weight you regularly carry, and gently exercise the elbow.
Physical therapy: Our licensed physical therapists at OrthoGeorgia utilize the latest treatment methods and state-of-the-art equipment to provide care for a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including golfer’s elbow.
Will I Need Surgery for Golfer’s Elbow?
Surgery is typically only considered for golfer’s elbow when nonsurgical methods have not provided relief and symptoms significantly impact your daily life. At OrthoGeorgia, our orthopedic surgeons are experts in tendon repair and will only recommend a surgical procedure if it is the best path to restoring your elbow function. The primary surgical procedure for this condition is called medial epicondyle release. During this surgery:
A small incision is made over the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inside of your elbow).
The surgeon removes the damaged tendon tissue.
The healthy portion of the tendon is repaired and may be reattached to the bone.
OrthoGeorgia’s advanced surgical team in Macon will ensure that you receive the highest standard of care. After surgery, your arm will be placed in a splint to protect it as it heals. Your care team will provide you with detailed recovery instructions, along with a schedule for follow-up visits and care. Following surgery, a personalized physical therapy routine is essential to help you safely regain arm strength and mobility.
Other Orthopedic Sports Injuries and Conditions We Treat at OrthoGeorgia
Our sports medicine specialists at OrthoGeorgia are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for athletes and active individuals of all ages throughout Central Georgia. From minor sprains to complex joint injuries, our team is here to provide an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan to help you get back to doing what you love. In addition to golfer’s elbow, our specialists treat a wide variety of orthopedic conditions and injuries, including:
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