Golfers elbow  Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is similar to its counterpart, tennis elbow. The primary differences are the location of the pain and the activity that leads to injury. However, both conditions are caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, leading to pain around the elbow joint.
It is usually caused by repetitive stress where an action is performed repeatedly and pain gradually develops. No one is immune from these injuries, but they are most common at the beginning of the golf season, or when the offending activity is increased in intensity or duration. Golf is one common cause of these symptoms, but many other sports, work-related activities and hobbies can cause the same problem i.e. weekend DIY-ers.
Treatment is rarely surgical, as this condition is well managed with a little rest and proper rehabilitation.. If the injury is golf related then changing the swing mechanics may be necessary and golf clubs should be sized properly, including grip size. Advice from a golf pro/instructor can be very helpful in these circumstances. Physiotherapy can further help by:
• advising on activity modification so that the injury has the best chance of recovery
• rehabilitation of the arm with gentle stretching and a graded strengthening programme
• limiting loading by supply of an arm brace, support or taping
• using injection therapy in some cases that are resistant to other treatments. This can either be done by your doctor or by one of our specially trained physiotherapists.
As well as the application of ice, use of oral anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen or topical ibuleve may help to ease the symptoms but it is most important to try and eliminate the provocative activities if at all possible.
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