Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Condition
Medial edicondylitis or golfer’s elbow, is tendonitis of the inside of the elbow joint. Golfer’s elbow is similar to tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis (this should be hyperlinked to tennis elbow page) which is also a form of tendonitis. The repetitive overuse of these muscles causes inflammation of the tendons, the connective tissue between the muscle and the bone. While golf is a common cause of medial edicondylitis, it can also be caused by any repetitive motion or sharp sudden movement that involves the elbow.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:
- Pain at the inside of the elbow
- Elbow stiffness
- Numbness or tingling in fingers
- Hand and/or wrist weakness
Treatment
Treatment of golfer’s elbow can include physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, splinting and stretching. In some cases, costisone injections may be suggested when other treatments are not effective. In the case of golfer’s elbow, surgery is rarely an option, but the best way to know for sure is to schedule an exam with a physician who specializes in hand, wrist and elbow conditions.