Golfers Elbow or Medial epicondylitis refers to chronic tendon disorganization and dysfunction of the common flexor tendon, a tendon which originates from the medial aspect of the elbow.
Causes
Medial epicondylitis is caused typically by chronic overuse and stress to the muscles and tendons that control your wrist and fingers. Improper lifting, throwing or hitting, as well as too little warm-up or poor conditioning, also can contribute to Golfer’s elbow.
Symptoms
Pain and tenderness on the inner side of your elbow. Sometimes the pain extends along the inner side of your forearm.
Stiffness. Your elbow may feel stiff, and it may hurt to make a fist.
Weakness. You may have weakness in your hands and wrists.
The pain of golfer’s elbow may appear suddenly or gradually. The pain may get worse when you:
- Swing a golf club or racket
- Squeeze or pitch a ball
- Shake hands
- Turn a doorknob
- Lift weights
- Pick up something with your palm down
- Flex your wrist
Treatment
Procedural options include needling the tendon under ultrasound to improve blood flow by creating acute inflammation and biologic regenerative injections (such as PRP therapy) that can stimulate the body’s own natural healing response when conventional treatments have failed.