Golfer's Elbow

What is Golfer's Elbow?

Also known as medial epicondylitis, Golfer’s elbow is a painful elbow condition caused by micro tearing of a group of tendons around the elbow, known as the flexor-pronator mass origin (commonly referred to as the common flexor tendon).

These tendons originate on the inner part of the elbow, running down the forearm to the wrist and fingers. They play a crucial role in wrist and finger flexion, as well as forearm pronation (the tightening screw motion).

What are the Causes?

Golfer’s elbow is typically caused by micro-tearing, often resulting from repetitive loading of the flexor-pronator mass origin.

Activities that involve forceful contraction of forearm muscles, repetitive wrist and finger flexion, or stresses on the elbow, such as baseball pitching, javelin throwing, golfing, and racket sports, pose a higher risk. Factors like high intensity and frequency of play, improper techniques or instruments, and muscle imbalance may predispose individuals to Golfer’s elbow.

Similar to tennis elbow, this condition is also observed in various professions such as musicians, cooks, carpenters, butchers, painters, etc.

What are the Symptoms?

Patients commonly report pain, aches, or a burning sensation over the inner part of the elbow or forearm. Symptoms tend to worsen with grip or forearm pronation against resistance. In some cases, patients may experience weakness in grip strength.

How is it Diagnosed? 

Golfer’s elbow can be diagnosed by your doctor after assessing your symptoms and conducting a physical examination. Radiological imaging, such as X-rays and MRI, might sometimes be required.

What are the Treatments?

Non-operative treatments, including rest, activity modification, pain control, physiotherapy, and bracing, are often the initial approach and are successful in the majority of patients.

For chronic Golfer’s elbow, your doctor may recommend shock wave therapy or injections with steroids or PRP (platelet-rich plasma). If the symptoms persist despite non-operative treatments, surgery may be considered after a period of time.

What are the Surgical Treatments? 

The surgery - Golfer's elbow release usually involves releasing, removing and/or repairing the diseased tendon, done via a mini open incision or arthroscopically. It is usually done as a day surgery.