Golfer's Elbow Specialist

What is golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, medically referred to as medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition that develops where the tendons in your arm meet the bony bump in your elbow. Golfer’s elbow is similar to tennis elbow; however, the pain occurs on the inside of the arm, while tennis elbow causes pain on the outside.

You don’t have to be a golfer to develop golfer’s elbow. The pain can develop from any activity that causes repeated stress or trauma to the muscles or tendons that control wrist and finger function. If you play a racquet sport or lift weights, you may be at risk of developing golfer’s elbow.

What are the symptoms of golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow most often causes pain and tenderness on the inside of your elbow that may radiate to your forearm and feel worse with movement. Your elbow may also stiffen, and you may experience weakness in your hand or wrist. 

When should I seek medical help for golfer’s elbow?

You may be able to manage your golfer’s elbow at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. However, if your pain doesn’t improve with home care or worsens, the experienced team at Central Jersey Hand Surgery can devise a plan to alleviate your symptoms and promote healing of your inflamed tissue. 

The specialists at Central Jersey Hand Surgery can diagnose golfer’s elbow during your examination but may request an X-ray or MRI to rule out other causes of your discomfort.

How is golfer’s elbow treated?

Central Jersey Hand Surgery takes a conservative approach to the management of golfer’s elbow and may initially suggest you refrain from the activity that caused your pain and ice your elbow.

Your specialist may also prescribe exercises to stretch and strengthen the tissue or refer you to physical or occupational therapy for a comprehensive exercise program to prevent a recurrence of your condition.

You may also benefit from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to promote the healing of your damaged tissue. If conservative measures fail to improve your pain, surgery may be needed to remove the scarred and damaged tissue responsible for your discomfort. However, it is rare to require surgery for the treatment of golfer’s elbow.

To get relief from your golfer’s elbow so you can get back on the course, contact Central Jersey Hand Surgery by phone or online today.