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Golfer’s elbow can be identified by a doctor based on your symptoms and medical history. So, what causes this ailment and how can it be healed?

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is a form of tendonitis that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that connect forearm to elbow. Pain typically centers around the bony bump on the inside of the elbow, but it can also be felt in the forearm, in some cases. Golfer’s elbow is also referred to by the medical term medial epicondylitis.

Not as common as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow shares a lot in common with the other lingering injury. Both injuries are forms of elbow tendonitis, while tennis elbow is felt on the outside of the elbow, unlike golfer’s elbow. According to WebMD, both forms of tendonitis can be healed over time with plenty of rest.

Golfer’s Elbow Causes

This ailment is most commonly caused by overusing muscles in the forearm. These muscles are used to grip, rotate and flex your wrist while playing golf. Repeating these motions over and over can cause pulls and/or tears in the tendons.

Common causes of golfer’s elbow include:

• Weight training.
• Repetitive motions.
• Constant throwing motions.

Symptoms Of Golfer’s Elbow

Pain resulting from golfer’s elbow can either happen slowly over time or instantly. You may be suffering from golfer’s elbow if you feel the following symptoms:

• Stiffness in the elbow.
• Pain and tenderness on the inside of the forearm and elbow.
• Pain while making a fist.
• Wrist and hand weakness.
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers.

How To Heal Golfer’s Elbow

Avoiding any activity or motion that causes pain is the easiest way to heal this ailment. There are a few other ways to treat golfer’s elbow, including the following below.

See A Chiropractor

Chiropractic care is the ideal treatment for golfer’s elbow. Most people dealing with this issue tend to be hesitant about undergoing surgery, so they will opt for chiropractic care first. Chiropractors offer non-invasive, drug-free treatments designed to return your regular range of motion. To learn more about how a chiropractor can treat golfer’s elbow, click here.

Medication

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help fight the issues golfer’s elbow causes. One newer treatment being used these days is platelet-rich plasma. This treatment entails drawing a little bit of blood and injecting a concentrated amount of platelets to the sore area(s). Medical experts continue to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment for golfer’s elbow.

At-Home Remedies

At-home remedies can include a plethora of rest and relaxation, which should ease pain over time. Applying ice packs to the sore area for 15-20 minutes at a time, three to four times per day can help, as well. Constantly stretching the affected area can strengthen it, overall.

Surgery

Surgery should be considered the last resort to healing golfer’s elbow, as this step is seldom necessary. However, if symptoms persist for more than 6-12 months, surgery may be your best route. Most individuals suffering from golfer’s elbow can recover with rest, ice and pain relievers.