Golfers Elbow / Throwers Elbow / Medial Epicondylitis

What is a golfers elbow?

Golfer elbow is a similar injury to tennis elbow only it affects the inside of the elbow instead. Golfer elbow is more common in throwers and golfers hence the 'nicknames'. Also known as flexor / pronator tendinopathy this elbow pain is seen in tennis players who use a lot of top spin on their forehand shots.

Symptoms of golfer elbow include:

• Pain on the bony bit on the inside of the elbow.
• Weakness in the wrist.
• Pain on the inside of the elbow when you grip something hard.
• Pain when wrist flexion (bending the wrist palm downwards) is resisted.
• Pain on resisted wrist pronation - rotating inwards (thumb downwards).

What can the athlete do about golfer elbow?

• Ice the injury for two days (20 min's on up to six times a day)
• Rest.
• After 2 days apply heat and use a heat retainer.
• A number of braces and supports are also available to help reduce the load on the elbow enabling it to heal.
• See a sports injury professional who can advise on treatment and rehabilitation.

What can a sports injury specialist or doctor do?

• Apply ultrasound or laser treatment.
• Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication.
• Use sports massage techniques.
• Give a steroid injection.

Rest is a very important component in the healing of this injury. It may heal quickly within two weeks but you could suffer with this problem for longer. When the symptoms have settled down it is essential you fully rehabilitate and strengthen the elbow and follow guidelines that will help you avoid the injury in the future:

• Correct technique - especially if you are a thrower. See a good coach if you are not sure how.
• Use a forearm brace or heat retainer if you have a weak wrist or elbow.