Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
What is it?
Medial Epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) is a painful condition caused by primarily by overuse or degeneration of the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm of the hand. The tendons located around the bony bump on the inside of the elbow, the medical epicondyle become inflamed, causing pain and tenderness to touch. Although this condition is often referred to as Golfer’s Elbow, the condition can occur with any activity that stresses the tendons on the inside or medial part of the elbow. You may have noticed that golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are similar, the main difference being the location of the pain.
Symptoms
Symptoms tend to develop over time and very gradual as this is due to a repetitive trauma or simply aging. In most cases, it will begin slowly and progress to more severe pain and there is usually no one specific cause that starts the symptoms. You may feel tenderness over the outside of the elbow and is often made worse by bending at the wrist.
Treatment
Golfer’s elbow often gets better on its own over time. But, over-the-counter medications for pain as well as resting the affecting joint will help reduce the symptoms. You may need an arm or wrist splint, physical therapy, steroid injections, ice or prescription anti-inflammatory medications to help as well. Some cases may require surgery, but only if the conservative treatments prove to be ineffective.
If you are experiencing Elbow pain, weakness of the Elbow, stiffness of the Elbow or night time Elbow pain, give us a call 972-250-5700 or make an appointment now.