In the country, there are more than 24 million golfers. The popularity of the sport is because it is fun. The sport can cause golfer’s elbow. Golfer’s elbow is also referred as epicondylitis. It affects tendons that connect the elbow bone. However, the injury does not only affect golfers. The injury is caused by any activity that uses arms and wrists. Keep reading to know the causes and treatment of golfer’s elbow.
Golfer’s disease has symptoms such as tenderness, pain and inflammation. It is as a result of continuous wear and tear of the muscles and tendons in the forearm and elbow. The areas are used for grasping and wrist flexing when playing golf. The symptoms can be severe or mild. The symptoms include pain inside the elbow, numbness in the fingers and weakening of the hand or wrist. In severe cases, you may feel chronic pain when doing normal tasks like opening the door, cooking or cleaning.
Golfer’s elbow is usually caused by activities that need repetitive gripping motions like tennis, golf, weight training, rock climbing, throwing and other racket sports. Golfers develop the injury after swinging a golf club repeatedly. Tennis players are injured when they swing a racket. Any athlete can get the above symptoms when they overuse their wrists and arms. Also, typing and playing an instrument throughout the day can cause elbow pain.
There are a few home remedies that can improve the symptoms associated with golfer’s elbow. Resting well helps reduce the pain. Avoid activities that include repetitive movements. After the pain is gone, gradually ease back to the normal activities. Take note of the causes of the pain. To avoid the pain in the future, you can try alternative activities.
Ice and heat also help relieve the symptoms. Heat pads, ice packs and cold compresses help reduce the pain, inflammation and swelling. Wrap ice inside a towel and put it on your elbow for not less than 20 minutes. Repeat this thrice a day. Avoid placing the ice on the skin directly.
Pain relief medications are also known to treat golfer’s elbow. For severe pain you may get a steroid injection. Avoid taking pain relievers after 10 days. You may need professional help from an acupuncture or a physical therapist to improve the symptoms. Surgery is performed for extreme cases. Consult your doctor to know the best treatment for golfer’s elbow.
Also, if the problem is caused by your work environment, you should make changes. You need to use a chair that is comfortable or a standing desk. Change your posture for good movement. Your doctor will recommend to you safe exercises. Wearing a brace will reduce muscle strain. Identifying the symptoms will ensure you avoid golfer’s elbow.