What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) describes a condition where inflammation of the tendon occurs at the inner bony part of the elbow. The sufferer experiences a dull, intermittent pain within the inner bony area of the elbow joint, close to what you would call your “funny bone”.
The pain may progress and develop into a sharp continuous pain. Golfer’s elbow usually develops as a result of repetitive use of the elbow and arm, causing undue stress on the tendons that flex the wrist and fingers. This in turn leads to the development of microscopic tears in the tendons that flex the wrist and fingers resulting in inflammation and pain.
Another very common source of strain occurs when the forearms rest on a tabletop, desk, or armrest of a chair. Pressure on the flexor muscles interferes with the normal motion of the muscles as they contract and relax, forcing the muscles to work harder than necessary when grasping or typing.
Golfer’s elbow can also develop as a result of direct trauma or after an elbow injury such as a fracture. Golfers typically do not only experience golfer’s elbow. Golf injuries usually occur in the lower back, elbows, shoulders, hands and wrists. The impact and stress of the repetitive motion of the swing is sometimes hard on the muscles and joints.