Finding the best treatment for golfer’s elbow begins with knowing what causes it: overuse. The condition will often cause elbow pain that interferes with everyday tasks. The positive news is that golfer’s elbow improves with the right treatment methods. Knowing the reasons behind it helps people make better choices for a full recovery.
Primary Causes of Golfer’s Elbow
The medical term for golfer’s elbow is medial epicondylitis. This injury occurs when the tendons between your forearm muscles and your elbow become inflamed.
Golfers are not the only people who can get golfer’s elbow. Anyone who does repeated actions with their arms and hands can develop this condition. Here are some of the reasons why it might happen:
1. Repetitive Stress
Golfer’s elbow often happens because of repeated strain. Actions like gripping, twisting, or bending the wrist put pressure on the forearm muscles.
Over time, this pressure damages the tendons where they connect to the bone.
2. Poor Technique
Using the wrong methods during sports or work increases the chance of injury. Golfers who hold their clubs too tightly often develop this problem.
Tennis players who use too much topspin can also strain these tendons. Baseball pitchers may get golfer’s elbow from repeated throwing motions.
3. Work-Related Causes
Jobs that involve repeated arm movements are a common cause. Individuals who do plenty of manual labor often overwork their forearm muscles.
People who use computers with poor wrist posture may also develop symptoms. Assembly line workers who repeat the same motions are at higher risk, too.
4. Age and Other Factors
Tendons lose flexibility as a person gets older. Adults over 40 heal more slowly and are more prone to injuries.
Past elbow injuries can weaken the area, which can increase the risk of golfer’s elbow. Poor overall fitness can also lead to muscle imbalances, which contribute to the condition.
How Golfer’s Elbow Develops
Golfer’s elbow develops due to poor technique or overuse, which can overwork the forearm muscles. This strains the tendons. Over time, repeated stress causes tiny tears in the tendons.
The body responds with inflammation to heal these tears, leading to swelling, pain, and tenderness. Without enough rest, the problem worsens.
Two key muscles, the flexor carpi radialis and pronator teres, are involved. These muscles help bend the wrist and turn the forearm.
Overuse causes them to pull on the tendons, eventually damaging them beyond recovery.
Risk Factors That Increase the Chances of Golfer’s Elbow
Certain factors make people more likely to develop golfer’s elbow, such as the following:
Age and Gender
Most cases happen between ages 40 and 60, and men are more likely to get it than women. Past elbow injuries also weaken the area, increasing the risk.
Poor Fitness and Preparation
Weak forearm muscles struggle with repeated stress. Skipping proper warm-ups leaves muscles unprepared, and sudden increases in activity can strain tissues.
Equipment Problems
Using heavy golf clubs or ones with the wrong grip size adds stress. Tennis rackets with tight strings also increase strain. Poorly maintained equipment can hurt both performance and safety.
Body Mechanics
Bad posture during activities puts extra pressure on the elbow. Incorrect lifting or throwing techniques can also cause problems. Muscle imbalances between opposing muscles raise the risk of injury, too.
The Healing Process
Golfer’s elbow healing occurs in the following stages:
Inflammatory Phase
The inflammatory phase is when healing begins. It lasts about 72 hours after getting the injury.
During this time, the body sends healing cells to the injured area. Be sure to rest and apply ice when needed. This can help reduce inflammation.
Proliferation Phase
Next comes the proliferation phase, which lasts several weeks. During this stage, new tissue starts to form.
Collagen production increases to repair the damaged tendons. Gentle movement becomes helpful during this phase.
Remodeling Phase
The final stage is remodeling. This phase can take several months. During this time, the new tissue strengthens and aligns properly.
Gradual return to normal activities happens in this phase.
Factors Affecting Healing
Your age, overall health, and injury severity can affect how quickly you recover. Good nutrition supports tissue repair, and adequate sleep helps the body produce healing hormones.
Treatment Approaches
Now, let’s look at treatment options for golfer’s elbow.
1. Conservative Treatments
Conservative and non-invasive treatments are usually enough to address golfer’s elbow. Resting from activities that worsen the condition allows healing to start.
Applying ice reduces pain and inflammation. Meanwhile, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications provide relief.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is essential for recovery. Therapists create exercises to strengthen forearm muscles.
Stretching routines improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Manual therapy techniques help with healing and pain relief.
Bracing and Taping
Braces or tape provide support during the healing process. You can reduce the stress your injured tendons experience by wearing a counterforce brace.
Proper placement ensures they work effectively, and gradually reducing brace use prevents dependency.
2. Advanced Treatments
For severe or persistent cases, advanced treatments are available, such as the following:
- Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation in serious cases.
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy helps regenerate your tissues naturally.
- Shock wave therapy stimulates tissue repair.
The Best Treatments for Golfer’s Elbow in Plantation, FL
Golfer’s elbow develops from repetitive stress on the forearm tendons. Understanding the causes helps patients recognize early warning signs. The healing process requires patience and proper treatment approaches. Conservative methods work effectively in most cases. Having a doctor evaluate you helps ensure that you get a correct diagnosis and the right treatment.
Dr. Robert Baylis and Dr. Christopher Brown at Baylis and Brown Orthopedics specialize in elbow conditions. Their expertise guides patients through successful recovery programs. Do not let golfer’s elbow limit your activities. Call Baylis and Brown Orthopedics at (954) 476-8800 to schedule your consultation. You can also use our online appointment request form to request a consultation.
The best orthopedic doctors near you look forward to serving you!
