Golfer's Elbow

Causes

Tendons connect muscles to bone. Repetitive or stressful movements of the muscles causes strain and pain at the tendon. The forearm muscles are active when a person grips an object tightly, such as a golf club. Doing this repeatedly can cause pain at the tendon. Other things that may cause this problem are:

• Gripping or swinging a golf club the wrong way
• Using the wrong model of golf clubs
• Hitting a tennis ball incorrectly
• Using the wrong size tennis racquet or the wrong tension of racquet strings
• Doing certain arm motions too much, such as:
  • Golf swings
  • Tennis strokes (forehand or serve)
  • Painting
  • Raking
  • Pitching
  • Rowing
  • Using a hammer or screwdriver

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in older adults. Other things that may raise the risk are:

• Playing golf or tennis
• Jobs that use repetitive gripping or clenching of the fingers, especially when the hand is bent up or down at the wrist
• Muscle imbalance
• Lack of flexibility

Symptoms

Symptoms happen slowly over time and may be:

• Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
• Pain that may go down the forearm
• Tight forearm muscles
• Stiffness or trouble moving the elbow or hand

Pain may be worse when:

• Shaking hands
• Turning doorknobs
• Picking up objects with the palm down
• Hitting a forehand in tennis
• Swinging a golf club
• Pressing on inside of the elbow

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. You may also be asked about your recent physical activity. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the elbow.

Pictures are not usually needed, but they may be done with:

• X-rays
• MRI scan

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to ease pain and help with healing. Options are:

• Supportive care, such as cold or warm compresses and avoiding activities that cause pain
• Physical therapy to help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion
• Wearing a forearm brace to limit movement during healing
• Medicines, such as:
  • Over the counter or prescription pain relievers
  • Corticosteroid injections to ease pain and swelling

Prevention

To lower the risk of this problem:

• Slowly increase the intensity and duration of activity
• Use the right form and equipment for sports and activities
• Exercise regularly to keep arm muscles strong