Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
Los Angeles
What is medial epicondylitis?
Commonly known as golfer’s elbow, medial epicondylitis is a painful condition involving the tendons attached to the bone on the medial (inside) part of the elbow. Degeneration of the tendon’s attachment to the bone can lead to pain associated with activities that involve bending the wrist toward the palm of the hand (wrist flexion) and also with wrist rotation (pronation).
What are the symptoms of golfer's elbow?
- Burning and pain along the inner (medial) elbow
- Pain when making a fist
- Weakness in the hands and the wrists
- Numbness or tingling radiating into one or more fingers (usually the pinky and ring fingers)
What causes golfer’s elbow?
This condition is usually caused by overusing the muscles in the forearm that enable you to grip, rotate your arm, or flex your wrist. Repetitive motions such as gripping, flexing, or swinging can cause tiny tears or pulls in the tendons connecting the forearm to the elbow. Medical epicondylitis is not confined to golfers. Other activities that can lead to golfer’s elbow include:
- Racket sports: Improper technique and using the wrong equipment can lead to medical epicondylitis in racket sports, such as tennis.
- Throwing sports: Football, archery, javelin throwing, and improper pitching technique in baseball or softball can cause golfer’s elbow.
- Weight training: Improper technique while lifting weights, such as curling the wrists while working the biceps, can overload the tendons and muscles.
- Forceful, repetitive movements: These often arise in occupations such as construction, carpentry, and plumbing.
What treatment options are available for elbow tendonitis?
If the symptoms persist, it is recommended to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yoon for golfer’s elbow. A comprehensive evaluation will be performed, and a plan of care can then be discussed based on the findings.