Lancaster, CA-Golfer's Elbow Pain, Treatment, and Therapy

July 27, 2022

Local Lancaster, CA Treatment and Therapy for Golfer's Elbow at Family First Family Medical Practice

Golfer putting on green, white shoes, ball near the hole.

GOLFER'S ELBOW SYMPTOMS, DIAGNOSIS, AND TREATMENTS

Golfer's elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) is a soreness or pain on the outside (lateral) side of the upper arm near the elbow. It also has alternative names such as Epitrochlear bursitis; Lateral epicondylitis; Epicondylitis - lateral; Tendonitis - elbow. It also can become a chronic issue caused by swelling of the tendons that connect the forearm to the outer side of the elbow.

The swelling ultimately damages the muscles and tendons from using them over and over again. That is why Golfer's elbow can be diagnosed as an overuse injury. Pain is often experienced on the outer side of the elbow, and the condition can be extremely painful. While playing tennis regularly can result in this condition, many patients treated for this condition don’t actually play tennis. Repetitive activities cause the tendons to get overworked, causing small tears.

To prevent this type of overuse injury, you simply have to not overuse it. If you start to have pain in the lateral side of the elbow (Golfer's Elbow), the best way to try to avoid the pain is to do things with the palm-up position. By putting your palm up, you transfer the forces from the hand to the medial side of the elbow.

Arm with highlighted red area indicating pain in the elbow.

Conservative, Nonsurgical Treatments

Patients with Golfer's Elbow are best treated non-operatively. Depending upon the nature and extent of the inflammation, there are many treatment options available which are successful in 80% to 90% of Golfer's Elbow cases.

RELAXATION. Stop the activities that are causing the pain. Your pain is telling you to rest the muscles by taking a timeout from using it. You will need to take a break from taking part in sports as well as refraining from heavyweight activities.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICATIONS. Either over-the-counter (Ibuprofen and aspirin) or prescription anti-inflammatory medications can reduce swelling and pain.
EQUIPMENT INSPECTION. If you use a tennis racquet regularly, have it professionally inspected to ensure the size or weight of the racquet is appropriate.
TOPICAL COMPOUND CREAMS. Can be rubbed onto the affected area.
PHYSICAL THERAPY. Exercises that concentrate on reinforcing the forearm muscles are beneficial.
MUSCLE-STIMULATING PROCEDURES. Prescribed by your doctor and physical therapist improve the healing of the tendons. Ultrasound and massaging with ice also help.
BRACING. A brace can also ease symptoms.