Golf Elbow
In the world of distance running, few names evoke as much respect and admiration as Galen Rupp, who garnered massive achievements over the peak of his career from 2009-2018. In addition to being a 4 time Olympian, he also holds American records in the 10 mile and indoor 2 mile. Rupp also took silver at the 2012 Olympics held in London, as well as taking bronze in the 2016 Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro. However, since an Achilles tendon rupture in 2018, he has never been able to fully return to his former glory.
Introduction:
Everyday physical actions can impact which parts of your body may experience pain and injury, depending on the sports and types of movements involved. It’s important to pay attention to your body as things can easily be overlooked and ignored. People especially tend to ignore the tightness of their elbow as it is not a common injury and may lead them to believe that it will easily resolve on its own if it does occur.
What is Golf Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is similar to the Tennis elbow and is known as medial epicondylitis(the suffix ‘itis’ typically means inflammation.), thrower’s elbow, or little league elbow. It causes pain on the inside of the elbow, which develops gradually over time. It is inflammation or the degeneration of the wrist or flexor muscles at the point they insert onto the inside of the elbow. Strictly speaking, most cases involve degeneration from wear and tear, rather than acute inflammation, especially long-term injuries.
Anatomy
The muscles of the wrist flexors and pronator muscle insert at the medial epicondyle on the inside of the elbow. These muscles are involved in bending the palm downwards and rotating the forearm inwards. Additionally, they play a crucial role in grip strength.
What causes Golfer’s elbow?
The underlying cause of golfer’s elbow is usually overuse. This causes tendons (joins muscles to bones) to become more painful and inflamed. The inflammation over time in particular affects wrist flexion (bending of the wrist) in actions such as holding a golf club which can stress the wrist flexor muscles. Hence the term ‘Golfers Elbow’.
Risks:
Tennis players who have a powerful forehand, with lots of topspin are also at an increased risk
Throwing a javelin with a poor, low elbow technique puts a huge strain on the inside of the elbow
Baseball players could also be potentially at risk of this as well
People who also use keyboards, or do manual labor such as carpentry/ DIY, where grip strength is important, are very likely to develop these overuse injuries
Symptoms:
Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow
Symptoms usually develop over time over the medial epicondyle and are uncomfortable (a prominent bony protrusion)
Pain is worse when attempting to grip things
General weakness in the wrist
How to assess a Golfers elbow:
When assessing a golfer's elbow, your therapist will get you to flex (bend) your wrist against resistance. This is done by turning your palm face down and then flexing the hand downwards whilst your therapist is pushing against the movement. If pain is reproduced during the test then you most likely have golfer’s elbow.
Conclusion:
Golf elbow targets exercises with repetitive forearm and wrist usage, commonly seen in sports such as tennis and golf or any activities involving excessive and repetitive motions of the elbow and wrist.
Sources cite:
“Golfer’s Elbow - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Rehabilitation.” Sportsinjuryclinic.Net, 20 Sep. 2023, www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/elbow-pain/medial-elbow-pain/golfers-elbow.
“Golfer’s Elbow.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 Sept. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/golfers-elbow/symptoms-causes/syc-20372868#:~:text=Golfer’s%20elbow%20is%20a%20condition,the%20outside%20of%20the%20elbow.
“Golfer’s Elbow.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 Sept. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/golfers-elbow/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372872.
“Golfer’s Elbow: Treatment and Prevention: HSS Sports Medicine.” Hospital for Special Surgery, www.hss.edu/conditionprofessional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): What Is It, Diagnosis & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21711-golfers-elbow-medial-epicondylitis. Accessed 26 Feb. 2024.
-list_golfers-elbow.asp. Accessed 26 Feb. 2024.
Pennmedicine.Org, www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/golfers-elbow. Accessed 26 Feb. 2024.
professional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): What Is It, Diagnosis & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21711-golfers-elbow-medial-epicondylitis. Accessed 26 Feb. 2024.