
In layman’s terms, it is a condition that causes pain on the inner side of the elbow. Also known as ‘Medial Epicondylitis’, this condition usually occurs when the muscles and tendons that control our wrist and fingers get damaged. Usually, the pain areas people experience are the elbow or wrist. It may even result in the stiffness of the elbow, causing problems and issues in performing daily activities. Let us discuss what causes golfers elbow?
What causes Golfer’s Elbow?
The damage caused to the muscles and tendons is the consequence of repeated and forceful stress to the wrist and finger motions. There are other potential causes too, which include the following:
- Exaggerating force while lifting objects.
- Continuous bending of the wrist.
- Twisting of muscles by working in the same position.
As the causes seem to be obvious enough to cause the pain and inflammation in the dominant arm, it may get even worse if not recognized in the early stages.
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
If diagnosed, one can experience the following symptoms:
- Pain along the inner side of the forearm.
- Inability to make a fist.
- Sensation in the fingers, thereby causing numbness.
- General weakness in the forearm.
- Weaker grip.
Though this condition is usually self-diagnosable, having a word with the doctor is always advisable, if required. Gentle treatments are available for its cure, which demand rest from aggressive activities for a certain period.
Treatment Options
- One of the most basic and effective treatments include PRICE therapy, i.e., Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is known to provide instant relief to sore muscles.
- Besides, physiotherapy and stretching exercises are also effective in reducing pain.
- Medical procedures like ultrasound, are not advised in the nascent stage. Analgesics and tablets can prove beneficial.
Reports suggest that this situation is generally seen in people aged between 35-55, and mostly in individuals with repetitive occupational tasks. Special and later considerations only require surgical treatment, otherwise the mentioned treatment options are enough to provide relief in a considerate amount of time.
The reason it is named Golfer’s Elbow is that it regularly affects people in sports like golf, tennis, weight-lifting, etc. The fact that it is a matter of muscles makes it a bit troublesome for people, but proper medication and exercises without negligence prove relaxing. That is why early intervention is recommended, otherwise, unexplained pain calls for a doctor’s advice, causing unnecessary delay and complications throughout the recovery process.