Jonathan Aarons M.D.

Tired of Chronic Pain?

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is also known as medial epicondylitis.  The epicondyle is a bump on the bone where the tendons attach.  This area can become irritated and inflamed, causing pain.  Golfer’s elbow is similar to tennis elbow, except that the problem occurs on the inside of the arm.  The pain is cause by repetitive actions such as throwing baseballs, footballs or golfing ( of course).  Bursitis, arthritis and gout may coexist with this condition and cause confusion as to the diagnosis and treatment.  The pain is located mainly on the inside of the arm.  It is worsened with activity and relieved by rest.  The tendons on the inside of the arm may be painful to touch and may become thickened.  The pain may radiate down the arm, be associated with muscular weakness, numbness and tingling.  X-rays are useful to look for bony problems such as fractures.  MRI scans can look for other soft tissue causes of pain and to look at the elbow joint.  Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCV) are useful to determine if there is any nerve entrapment starting from the cervical spine down to the wrist. Treatment of golfer’s elbow begins with conservative therapy.  These include rest, alteration in activities, physical therapy, heat, ice and TENS.  Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories may be useful.  Injection of the area with a dilute solution of a local anesthetic an a steroid can reduce both pain and inflammation and may facilitate therapy.

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