In the country, there are more than 24 million golfers. The sport is enjoyable making it popular. The sport can lead to golfer’s elbow. Golfer’s elbow is also referred as epicondylitis. It affects tendons that connect the elbow bone. Regardless of the injury being known as golfer’s elbow, it doesn’t mean that it affects only golfers. Activities that involve using the arms and wrists can result in the injury. Keep reading to know the causes and treatment of golfer’s elbow.
The symptoms of golfer’s disease are inflammation, pain or tenderness inside the elbow. It happens due to continuous tear and wear of tendons and muscles found in the elbow and forearm. These areas are used for wrist flexion and grasping during golfing. The symptoms can either be mild or severe. Be keen when you feel elbow stiffness, pain inside the elbow, numbness in the fingers, having difficulty when moving your elbow and weakening of the wrist or hand. Severe symptoms include chronic pain when performing everyday tasks such as cleaning, cooking or opening the door.
Golfer’s elbow is usually caused by activities that need repetitive gripping motions like tennis, golf, weight training, rock climbing, throwing and other racket sports. Golfers develop the injury after swinging a golf club repeatedly. Tennis players get the injury when swinging a racket. Any athlete who takes part in an activity that involves overusing the arms and wrists can get golfer’s elbow. Also, typing or playing an instrument all day can result to inner elbow pain.
Golfer’s elbow symptoms can be relieved by some home remedies. Resting well helps reduce the pain. Avoid doing activities that need repetitive movements. After the pain is gone, gradually ease back to the normal activities. Write down the specific causes of the pain. To avoid the pain in the future, you can try alternative activities.
Ice and heat also help relieve the symptoms. Cold compresses, heat pads and ice packs reduce swelling, pain and inflammation. You can wrap ice in a towel and let it stay on your elbow for about 20 minutes. Do this three times a day. Ensure that you don’t place the ice directly on your skin.
Pain relief medications are also known to treat golfer’s elbow. For severe pain, you may need a steroid injection. Avoid taking pain relievers for more than 10 days. Instead, go to a physical therapist or an acupuncturist. Extreme cases may require surgery. Consult your doctor to know the best treatment for golfer’s elbow.
Also, if the problem is as a result of your work environment, you need to make changes. You need to use a chair that is comfortable or a standing desk. For improved movement, change your posture. There are safe exercises your doctor will recommend. To reduce muscle strain, you can wear a brace. All this information will assist you to avoid golfer’s elbow.