SPORTS MEDICINE

Dr. Steve Badolato

THE NUMBER of golfers in the United States and especially Brevard County continue to increase in recent years. A recent study estimated that there are over 15 million participants in this country alone.  With this increase wave in participation comes the swell of injuries related to the sport.  One such ailment is medial epicondylitis, commonly referred to as “Golfer’s Elbow.”

Golfer’s Elbow is characterized by inflammation and pain on the inner side of the elbow. The pain occurs where the tendons of your flexor muscles of the forearm attach to the bony region of the inside of the elbow.  This should not be confused with a similar condition of “Tennis Elbow” known as lateral epicondylits, which occurs on the outside of the elbow.  Golfer’s Elbow is not limited to just golfers, in fact, it occurs commonly in throwing and racquet sports such as baseball and tennis.

Causes

GOLFER’S ELBOW is characterized by inflammation and pain on the inner side of the elbow. The pain occurs where the tendons of your flexor muscles of the forearm attach to the bony region of the inside of the elbow.

Golfer’s Elbow is caused by damage to the muscles and tendons that control your wrist and fingers. The damage is typically related to excess or repetitive stress — especially forceful wrist and finger motions. These stresses cause damage to the muscle and tendons of the forearm which attach to the medial (inside) aspect of the elbow and upper arm.    Sometimes golfer’s elbow begins after a sudden force to the elbow or wrist.

It is most common in men between the ages of 20-50, but can occur in women and athletes and non-athletes of all ages.  Many times sports injuries are a result of faulty technique, and with proper attention to proper form and conditioning can be prevented.

In golf and racquet sports, special awareness to swing mechanics with adjustments, if necessary, are very important. For the more avid player, it is beneficial to see a golf pro/instructor for a swing and club evaluation. Golfers should also have their clubs sized properly, including the grip size of the club which plays a significant role in development of golfer’s elbow.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can be insidious or sudden in onset and can be made worse by shaking hands, gripping a golf club, turning a doorknob, or any movement that involves flexing your wrist towards your forearm.

• Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow which can extend into the forearm
• Stiffness of the elbow and pain when making a fist
• As it worsens, it can cause numbness and tingling into the ring and little finger
• Can evolve into weakness of the hand and wrist

Diagnosis/Treatment

GOLFER’S ELBOW is usually self-limited. However, the pain may hang on for many months, even if you take it easy and follow your doctor’s orders.

An accurate diagnosis is usually easily made based on medical history and physical exam. An X-ray may be performed to rule out other causes of pain including but not limited to a fracture or arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment will allow you to return to your sport or activity sooner. The following are the key components of treatment:

• Rest: Stop the repetitive activities causing pain
• Over the counter pain relievers can help alleviate the pain
• Ice applied to the region of the elbow for 15-20 minutes, three to four times a day
• Stretching and strengthening the affected area is very important and a trial of physical therapy may be necessary
• Forearm strap if used properly can reduce the strain on the inside of the elbow
• Cortisone injection is a reasonable option if conservative treatment fails
• Gradual return to play when the pain has resolved and full function restored

Golfer’s elbow is usually self-limited.  However, the pain may hang on for many months, even if you take it easy and follow your doctor’s orders.  During the recovery period, it is important to rest and avoid the temptation of sneaking in a round of golf.  When you’re no longer in pain, begin to practice the arm motions of your sport. Review your golf swing with an instructor, make adjustments if needed, and have a great time playing the game that you love.

A Florida native, Dr. Badolato received his medical degree from the University of South Florida School of Medicine and did his residency training at St. Vincents' Medical Center in Jacksonville. Dr. Badolato is Board Certified and has fellowship training in sports Medicine with a specialization in non-operative musculaskeletal medicine. Formerly a team physicians at Ohio State University, he was also the medical director for the world-renowned IMG Bollettieri Sports Academy in Bradenton, Florida. You can reach Dr. Badolato at 321-253-2169, or log on to PremierUrgentCare.com

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