Golfer’s elbow is an injury that is similar to tennis elbow but causes pain on the interior part of the elbow. This is oftentimes called as a thrower’s elbow. If you will register for first aid training, you can readily manage the symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
The indicative symptoms include pain on the bony bit on the interior of the elbow which is called the medial epicondyle especially when gripping hard with the hand. There is generalized wrist weakness. It is important to note that the pain is generated by flexing the wrist palm in a downward manner in contrast to resistance and rotating the wrist in an inward manner.
What are the causes?
Golfer’s elbow is triggered by recurrent wrist flexion, especially against resistance such as holding a golf club. It can also occur due to throwing actions as well as occupations involving manual jobs such as carpentry or working in a computer work station. It tends to occur after a period of repeated overuse. The tendon of the writ flexor muscles on the interior of the elbow becomes sore and swollen at the attachment point on the interior elbow.
Self-help treatment
You have to apply an ice pack for 10-15 minutes every hour once the injury is acutely painful. After the initial few hours, it can be reduced to 3-4 times in a day if needed. Later in the rehabilitation program or if the injury becomes chronic, you can apply heat for a beneficial effect.
Always remember that rest is vital. Golfer’s elbow will not correctly heal if the individual will not rest. Continued use of the wrist can cause the injury to become chronic and harder to treat.
After 3 days, you can apply heat and utilize a heat retainer. The heat will stimulate the flow of blood to the affected area. A heat retainer is typically a neoprene elbow support that preserves the body heat and support the muscles to relieve strain off the sore tendon.
In some cases, a tennis elbow brace can also be used to relieve the strain off the tendon. It is described as a simple strap that wraps around the forearm. By applying pressure, it will change the angle of pull on the tendon as well as changing how the forces are transmitted via the elbow.
Medical treatment for golfer’s elbow
When medical care is consulted, it usually involves the use of electrotherapy such as laser treatment or ultrasound to minimize the pain and inflammation as well as aiding the healing process. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can be prescribed to minimize the inflammation and pain.
There are sports massage techniques that can be applied to both the tendon and the connecting muscles. In some cases, cross friction massage on the tendon is used if the injury becomes chronic or does not respond to rest and cold treatment.
Steroid injections are given if the conservative treatment options are not effective. As for rest, it is a vital component in the healing of golfer’s elbow. The condition can heal quickly within 2 weeks but some can suffer for months.