Golfer’s Elbow

Written by Dr. Jason Ngan, DC

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow (aka medial epicondylitis) is an overuse injury of the medial elbow (pinky side). The muscle tendon effected are the flexor carpi radialis and the pronator teres. These muscles and tendons control the wrist and fingers.

What Causes Golfer’s Elbow ?

Golfer’s elbow is caused by excessive use of the forearm, especially flexing the wrist.

  • Sports (golf, overhead tennis/volleyball serves, swimming)

  • Carpentry (hammering)

  • Carrying heavy items

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

  • Pain or burning sensation at the medial elbow

  • Pain, numbness, or tingling along the medial elbow to the pinky

  • Stiffness

  • Swelling at the elbow

  • Weak grip

How is Golfer’s Elbow Diagnosed?

Golfer’s elbow is diagnosed with a thorough medical history, physical examination, orthopedic testing, and diagnostic ultrasound.

  • Muscle weakness.

  • Abnormal sensation (pain, burning, numbness)

  • Orthopedic tests narrows down which muscle is affected

  • Diagnostic ultrasound can visualize the affected tendon

What are the Treatment Options?

Golfer’s elbow can be treated with rest. There are some therapies that can speed up the recovery process. Some options we provide include:

  • Chiropractic manipulation and mobilization

  • Brace

  • Soft tissue therapies

  • Gua-sha

  • Cupping

  • E-stim

  • Ultrasound

  • Ergonomic counseling

  • Rehabilitative exercises & stretches

Other treatments that patients may seek (not provided at Ngan Chiropractic) include acupuncture, non-inflammatory medications, steroid injection, and surgery if severe.

References

  1. Amin, Nirav H. MD; Kumar, Neil S. MD, MBA; Schickendantz, Mark S. MD. Medial Epicondylitis: Evaluation and Management. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 23(6):p 348-355, June 2015. | DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-14-00145

  2. Gliedt JA, Daniels CJ. Chiropractic management of elbow tendinopathy following a sports related trauma. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2014 Mar;58(1):52-7. PMID: 24587497; PMCID: PMC3924509.

  3. Kiel J, Kaiser K. Golfers Elbow. [Updated 2022 Jun 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519000/

  4. Reece CL, Susmarski A. Medial Epicondylitis. [Updated 2022 Apr 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557869/