Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) Treatment
Many sports and activities require the use of the elbow and the associated muscles and tendons in the forearm. Golf and tennis are among those that require gripping while bending or extending the elbow, and both can cause injuries. Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a repetitive use injury on the inside of the elbow that can cause pain and dysfunction. Our orthopedic specialists at DOCS Health offer effective golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) treatment at our medical center in Los Angeles.
Medial epicondylitis involves inflammation or injury to the wrist flexors on the inside of the elbow. It is often called golfer’s elbow, as golfing requires gripping and flexing the wrist while swinging. Avid golfers are prone to this injury, but other sports and activities can cause the same issue. Lifting items, like suitcases, can cause similar repetitive injuries to the tendons and muscles due to gripping, wrist flexing and extension of the arm.
Symptoms of Medial Epicondylitis
Golfer’s elbow can begin gradually with increasing pain and weakness in the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand. Symptoms of medial epicondylitis include:
- Pain in the inside of the elbow
- Weakness in the hand or wrist
- Weakened grip
- Tingling or numbness in the wrist or hand
The inflammation in the wrist flexors can compress nerves, resulting in weakness, numbness and tingling. To relieve pain and restore, strengthen or improve function, medical treatment may be required.
Golfer’s elbow treatments usually begin with conservative therapies including rest, ice and OTC anti-inflammatory medications. If these treatments are not effective, injection therapy combined with physical therapy may be recommended to relieve inflammation and strengthen the muscles and tendons in the forearm and wrist.
If you suffer from symptoms of golfer’s elbow, treatment can provide pain relief and help you restore your elbow, wrist and hand function. Contact our team at DOCS Health to schedule a consultation to discuss medial epicondylitis treatment for golfer’s elbow relief.
Doctors who treat this condition
Unless otherwise indicated, the physician is a member of DOCS Health Medical Group and has medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both. Physicians denoted with an asterisk (*) are independent physicians who are not part of DOCS Health Medical Group, but do have medical staff privileges at DOCS Surgery Center, DOCS Surgical Hospital, or both.