As golfing season kicks off, it may be time to look at very common injury that most golfers may be susceptible to: Golfer’s Elbow. With every new spring season comes a new batch of experiences and rookie golfers alike looking to improve their game. Through persistent practice, time at the range and (naturally) on the golf course, many golfers will improve this year. Therefore, this blog is written to help those in pain find out more about this condition and what options they have for rehabilitation, to help keep their game on par.
What is Golfer’s Elbow, or Medial Epicondylitis?
Golfer's elbow, also known as Medial Epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. It is a type of overuse injury that is common among golfers, but can also affect people who engage in activities that involve repetitive gripping or wrist flexion. Golfer’s elbow can also be found in careers like construction or contracting due to the use of motor tools, hammers and motorized equipment.
What Are the Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow?
Symptoms of golfer's elbow are typically pretty simple. Those who suffer would likely have tenderness or burning pain on the inside of the affected elbow. There can also be stiffness in bending the hand up and gripping. Numbness or tingling occurs less frequently but can still be seen in some cases.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
From a Chiropractic and Physical Therapy perspective, treatment for golfer's elbow typically involves rest and ice. If you are considering taking over-the-counter medication such as anti-inflammatory medications, it would be best to consult with your Medical Doctor.
Physical therapy exercises may also be recommended to help strengthen the muscles in the forearm and wrist and improve flexibility. In some cases, a brace or splint may be worn to help support the elbow and reduce strain on the affected tendons, but should only be worn during the aggravating activity.
In addition to these conventional treatments, several alternative therapies may also be beneficial. One such therapy is acupuncture, which involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerve endings and promote healing. Several studies have suggested that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for golfer's elbow, with some participants reporting improvements in pain and function following acupuncture treatments. The Doctors at Rosedale Chiropractic & Massage are certified Acupuncture providers and can help with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of Medial Epicondylitis.
Conclusion
Today we discussed the causes and treatment of Medial Epicondylitis. It is our hope that we can encouraged not just the spring time athletes and golfers, but anyone who may be suffering to seek out care. Overall, if you're experiencing elbow pain or stiffness, it's important to seek the advice of a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating golfer's elbow, the professionals at Rosedale Chiropractic & Massage are experienced and can assist you in confirming a diagnosis of and treating Medial Epicondylitis.
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