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Golfer's Elbow

Conditions We Treat / Golfer's Elbow

What is a golfer's elbow?

The medical term for a golfer's elbow is medial epicondylopathy/ medial epicondylitis, and it can occur after non-sporting activities just as frequently as with sports.

The key characteristic of this condition is pain in the medial (inner) bony part of the elbow.

Golfer's elbow can become something chronic if unmanaged.

Patients with more significant irritation may complain of grip weakness and notice limitations in activities of daily living, like shaking hands, grasping objects, and opening jars.

Who is at risk for a golfer's elbow?

Some activities have an inherent bigger risk of developing this condition.

• Throwing athletes

• Golfers

• Weightlifters

• Tennis players

• Fencers

• Swimmers

Golfer's elbow is commonly misdiagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome, little league elbow, and ulnar collateral ligament instability; therefore, a proper evaluation must be performed to make sure of the diagnosis.

Several factors may increase an athlete's risk of injury:

• Inadequate warm-up

• Poor conditioning

• Weakness

• Flexibility

• Improper technique

Additional club/ racquet-related risk factors include:

• Using a new, heavy racquet/ paddle

• Excessive grip size

• Hitting heavy balls

The classical presentation includes dull, aching pain over the medial (inner) elbow that becomes worse with use.

How to manage a golfer's elbow?

The more chronic the condition, the more comprehensive management approach needs to be administered.

Athletes may need to limit offensive activities to allow the body to rebuild.

Treatment approaches may include isometric exercises, soft tissue therapy, ergonomic changes, and splinting if necessary.

Surgery and corticosteroid injections should only be taken into consideration in a few selected severe cases where conservative management has already been attempted.

How do we treat a golfer's elbow at Kinesis Chiropractic?

In our Davie & Weston Chiropractic office, we take a detailed history of your injury and perform a thorough examination of your hand and wrist, assess any neurological deficits to rule out any other condition, and determine if you truly have golfer's elbow.

Our goal is to not only provide you with the correct diagnosis but determine the root cause of your injury and create an individualized treatment plan specifically for you.

Treatment for a golfer's elbow consists of: