What Treatments Are Available For Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is a condition that often occurs in golfers and other people who do repetitive hand and wrist movements. Below, we will take a look at the basics of golfer’s elbow, as well as what you can expect in terms of golfer’s elbow treatment.  

Understanding Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow. This is where the tendons of the forearm attach to the inside of the elbow. Although the condition primarily affects the elbow, the pain can spread to the forearm or wrist. Golfer’s elbow is usually an overuse injury, associated with activities that require repetitive arm and wrist movements.

Symptoms associated with golfer’s elbow include:

• Pain on the inside of the elbow that may extend along the forearm
• Tenderness
• Elbow stiffness
• Hand stiffness
• Weakness in the hands and wrists
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and wrists

Home Treatment

Often, golfer’s elbow can be resolved at home with simple steps. Icing the elbow, resting from activities for a few days, keeping the elbow elevated, and using a brace on the elbow can often relieve symptoms. Using an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or naproxen may also help.

If you continue to have symptoms after several days of such treatment, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor immediately if symptoms are severe or you think you have a broken bone.

Non-Surgical Treatment 

Most of the time, golfer’s elbow treatment is non-surgical. Golfer’s elbow treatment may include:

• Home exercises – Your doctor may give you a list of exercises and stretches to practice at home to strengthen the arm and improve flexibility. Even if you also go to formal physical therapy, at-home exercises are likely to be an essential part of treatment.
• Physical therapy – Physical therapy sessions can help to strengthen the arm and improve flexibility in a more structured and monitored setting. You will also learn exercises that you can use at home later on.
• Over-the-counter medications – Medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can be used to manage symptoms, especially during flare-ups.
• Steroid injections – More severe cases may be treated with steroid injections in the elbow, which help to relieve inflammation.

Surgical Treatment

Although most cases can be treated without resorting to surgery, sometimes symptoms are severe or persist after using non-surgical treatments. In such cases, the physician may recommend surgical treatment. Surgery can usually be performed in a minimally invasive manner using arthroscopic techniques, which allows patients to return to normal activities as soon as possible.

If you are suffering from elbow pain, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your diagnosis and treatment. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.