Medial Epicondylitis (Golfger's Elbow)

            Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) is a type of tendinitis that affects the inside of the elbow. It develops where tendons in the forearm muscle attach to the bony part on the inside of the elbow. Tendons connect muscles to bones. They can swell and become painful due to injury or irritation. Although medial epicondylitis is called golfer’s elbow, it doesn’t just affect golfers. It can be caused by any activity that involves the use of the arms or wrists, including tennis.

                       What are the symptoms of medial epicondylitis?

          Medial epicondylitis can occur suddenly or develop gradually over some time. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. If you have a golfer’s elbow, you may experience any of the following:

• Pain on the inside of your elbow

• Elbow stiffness

• Hand and wrist weakness

• Tingling sensation or numbness in the fingers, especially the ring and little fingers

• Difficulty moving the elbow

      It is very common for elbow pain to radiate from the arm to the wrist. This makes it difficult to complete daily activities such as picking up items, opening a door, or shaking hands. Typically, medial epicondylitis affects the dominant arm.

                    What are the causes of medial epicondylitis?

         Medial epicondylitis is caused by repetitive movements, so this condition occurs among athletes. Golfers can develop this type of tendinitis from repeatedly swinging a golf club, while tennis players can get this condition from repeatedly using their arms to swing a tennis racket. In both cases, overuse of the arms and wrists injures the tendons and triggers pain, stiffness, and weakness.

    Other risk factors for this type of tendinitis include handball, rowing, and weightlifting. Activities such as playing an instrument and typing on a computer can also cause medial epicondylitis.

                       How is medial epicondylitis diagnosed?

        Physical examination may include applying pressure to the patient’s elbow, wrist, and fingers to check for stiffness or discomfort. Questions may be asked about the patient’s symptoms, pain level, medical history, and recent injuries. You will also need to provide information about daily activities, including the patient’s job, hobbies, and recreational activities.

       An X-ray of the inside of the elbow, arm, or wrist may be ordered to rule out other possible causes of pain, such as a fracture or arthritis, before diagnosing medial epicondylitis.

                          How is medial epicondylitis treated?

• NSAID pain relievers can be used for pain, stiffness and weakness associated with medial epicondylitis.

• Rest the arm. Repeatedly using the affected arm can prolong healing and worsen symptoms.

• Applying ice or cold compresses to reduce swelling, pain and inflammation

• Doing stretching exercises

• Wrapping an elastic bandage around your elbow or using a splint

• Steroid injection for medial epicondylitis

• Surgical intervention. This surgery is known as open medial epicondylar release. During the procedure, a surgeon makes an incision in your forearm, cuts the tendon, removes damaged tissue around the tendon, and then re-fixes the tendon.

     Medial epicondylitis can be painful and interfere with physical activity, but it is not usually a long-term injury. The sooner the armrests and treatment is started, the sooner it can recover and physical activity can be resumed.