Description...

Golfer's elbow is similar to tennis elbow, but it occurs on the inner side of the elbow.  It is characterized by pain and inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm to the elbow, which lead to pain or soreness on the inner side of the upper arm near the elbow.

This injury is not limited to golfers or athletes. Golfer's elbow results from overuse of the muscles in the forearm that allow you to grip, rotate your arm and flex your wrist. Repetitive flexing, swinging or gripping can produce pulls or tiny tears in the tendons.

Treatment...

If this is the first time you have experienced this pain, you should call your physician and set an appointment to discuss it.

• For two to three weeks, rest from the activity that caused the symptoms.

• Ice the outside of the elbow two to three times per day, using a 20 minutes on/20 minutes off cycle.

• Use a non-steroid, anti-inflammatory medication.

• Wear an iGO Tennis Elbow Brace or an iGO Elastic Elbow Support to take the pressure off the elbow, which will relieve pain and allow the tendons to heal.

 

At-Home Exercises...

Rubber Band Exercise:

Wrap a rubber band around all of your fingers, including your thumb. It should be positioned low, near the first knuckle. Open your fingers as far as you can and then close them. Continue this motion 15-20 times.

Ball Grip:

Hold a rubber ball, crumpled-up piece of paper or other round, squeezable object in your hand. Spread your fingers wide. Squeeze the ball or object as hard as you can for five seconds, then release. Repeat the exercise ten times, then switch to the opposite hand. Repeat for two additional sets on each hand.