Medical Questions » Sports Questions » Question No. 946
| Question: | I am a keen golfer and have developed a painful elbow. My GP says the diagnosis is golfer' s elbow, but this sounds like an excuse for a diagnosis. Is there such a condition, and do i have to stop playing golf? |
| Answer: | Golfer' s elbow is a medical condition that is also known as medial epicondylitis. It is due to an inflammation of the tendon on the inside of the bony lump on the back of the elbow (olecranon).
The cause is over-straining of the extensor tendon at the inner back of the elbow due to excessive bending and twisting movements of the arm. In golfers it is not normally one stroke that strains the tendon, but repeated episodes of overstretching caused by hitting the ground with the club during a stroke. This leads to tears of the minute fibres in the tendon and scar tissue forms, which is then broken down again by further strains. It also occur in tradesmen who undertake repetitive tasks, housewives, musicians and many others who may put excessive strain on their elbows.
Painful inflammation occurs, which can be constant or may only occur when the elbow is moved or stressed. The whole forearm can ache in some patients, especially when trying to grip or twist with the hand.
Unfortunately for you, prolonged rest is the most important form of treatment. Exercises to strengthen the elbow and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used. Cortisone injections may be given in resistant cases. The strengthening exercises are done under the supervision of a physiotherapist and involve using your wrist to raise and lower a weight with the palm facing up. Some patients find pressure pads over the tendon or elbow guards (elastic tubes around the elbow) help relieve the symptoms and prevent recurrences by adding extra support.
It is a condition that is not easy to treat and can easily become chronic. No matter what form of treatment is used, most cases seem to last for about 18 months and then settle spontaneously.
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