Medial epicondylitis is the term used in describing pain at the medial elbow joint, also known as Golfers elbow. The flexor muscle group and related tendons attach to the medial joint and affect the gripping action of the hand become inflamed and cause pain. It commonly comes on with repetitive trauma on the trailing elbow in the golf swing and acutely from hitting a divot. Also practicing on the driving range can generate a greater force through the medial elbow joint as the ball is hit due to the synthetic or harder hitting surface used, thus causing micro trauma to the muscles and tendons. The driving range can therefore affect the mechanics of your golf swing by compensating the swing to prevent injury which may lead to further problems.

Common symptoms may include:-

Tenderness at the medial side of the elbow which may radiate down into the forearm muscles

Pain on the medial elbow on hitting a golf ball usually occurs on the trailing arm

Pain on grasping an object, and on bending the wrist inwards (flexion of wrist)

Pain on typing on a keyboard

Feeling numbness or tingling in the fingers, may indicate a nerve related condition

There may be an underlying wrist or shoulder condition

Treatment

This can vary from person to person some recover in a few weeks some take a lot longer.

Initially

Try to stop doing what caused it; it could be due to a bad technique that developed – gripping the club too tightly

Reduce pain and inflammation by using ice packs 15-20 minutes 3-4 times daily

Use anti inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen if it is safe for you to take use as prescribed on packet

Chiropractic, graston technique, massage and electrotherapy will help recovery

Always consult a medical GP, chiropractor, osteopath or physiotherapist for advice.

Rehabilitation

Stretching exercises for wrist and forearm, example – extending arm out and stretching wrist backwards

Strengthening exercises example – squeezing a tennis ball

If you have not seen the power balls then these can help in improving elbow conditions and help prevent elbow conditions but will be difficult to use in acute stages of injury.

Visit: – www.nsdpowerballs.com

For further advice, contact us at the clinic.