Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is wear and tear of the tendon that anchors the forearm's gripping and wrist-bending muscles to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. You do not have to play golf. Mechanics, pitchers, weightlifters, and anyone who hammers, screws, or lifts repeatedly can get it.
Warning signs
- Pain at the bony bump on the inside of the elbow
- Pain that runs down the inside of the forearm toward the wrist
- Pain with gripping, lifting with the palm up, or twisting open a jar
- Weak grip, and sometimes tingling in the ring and small fingers
Treatment
Most cases settle with activity modification, a counterforce strap worn just below the elbow during aggravating tasks, and physical therapy built around eccentric strengthening of the forearm flexors. If pain persists after months of good conservative care, options include an ultrasound-guided injection and, rarely, outpatient surgery to clean up the tendon origin.
Find this post on: Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn
Questions patients ask
What is golfer's elbow?
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is wear and tear of the tendon that anchors the forearm's gripping and wrist-bending muscles to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. You do not have to play golf. Mechanics, pitchers, weightlifters, and anyone who hammers, screws, or lifts repeatedly can get it.
What are the warning signs of golfer's elbow?
Pain at the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. Pain that runs down the inside of the forearm toward the wrist. Pain with gripping, lifting with the palm up, or twisting open a jar. Weak grip, and sometimes tingling in the ring and small fingers.
How is golfer's elbow treated?
Most cases settle with activity modification, a counterforce strap worn just below the elbow during aggravating tasks, and physical therapy built around eccentric strengthening of the forearm flexors. If pain persists after months of good conservative care, options include an ultrasound-guided injection and, rarely, outpatient surgery to clean up the tendon origin.
Who treats golfer's elbow near Southlake and Dallas-Fort Worth?
Dr. Pedro Loredo, a board-certified hand surgeon (General Surgery, American Board of Surgery; Hand Surgery, American Board of Plastic Surgery) at Loredo Hand Care Institute, 431 E State Hwy 114, Suite 380, Southlake, TX. New patients are seen within days. Call (972) 939-4974. Se habla español.
En español: ¿Dolor en la parte interna del codo al agarrar o levantar con la palma arriba?
El codo de golfista, o epicondilitis medial, es el desgaste del tendón que ancla los músculos del antebrazo que agarran y doblan la muñeca al bulto óseo de la parte interna del codo. No hace falta jugar golf. Mecánicos, lanzadores, levantadores de pesas y cualquier persona que martille, atornille o levante de forma repetida puede padecerlo.
Señales de alerta
- Dolor en el bulto óseo de la parte interna del codo
- Dolor que baja por la parte interna del antebrazo hacia la muñeca
- Dolor al agarrar, levantar con la palma hacia arriba o abrir un frasco
- Agarre débil y, a veces, hormigueo en el anular y el meñique
Tratamiento
La mayoría de los casos mejora con cambios de actividad, una banda de antebrazo justo debajo del codo durante las tareas que agravan, y fisioterapia con fortalecimiento excéntrico de los flexores del antebrazo. Si el dolor persiste tras meses de buen tratamiento conservador, las opciones incluyen una inyección guiada por ultrasonido y, rara vez, una cirugía ambulatoria para limpiar el origen del tendón.
If this sounds like your hand
Call Loredo Hand Care Institute or start your forms online. New patients are seen within days; surgery, when needed, is scheduled at the first available opening. Se habla español.