Menu

Treatment for Medial Epicondylitis

What is Medial Epicondylitis?

Medial epicondylitis is a condition that affects the hands, and is characterised by pain on the inside of the hand, from the elbow to the wrist. The pain is caused by degeneration of the tendons that bend the wrist towards the palm. Tendons are tough tissue cords that connect muscles to bones, and these tendons can become swollen and painful due to injury or irritation.

Medial epicondylitis is known by a number of names including golfer’s elbow, baseball elbow, forehand tennis elbow and suitcase elbow. Although medial epicondylitis is referred to as golfer’s elbow, this does not mean it affect only golfers. It is a condition that can occur as a result of playing golf as well as any other activity that involves the constant use of the arms and wrists.

What Are the Causes of Medial Epicondylitis?

As already established, medial epicondylitis or golfer’s elbow is not unique to golfers only. It is in fact caused by a variety of activities that involve bending the wrist toward the palm. Medial epicondylitis can as easily be caused by swinging a golf club as it can by throwing a basketball or pitching a baseball. This condition can also be caused by non-sports related activities.

Some of the more common causes of golfer’s elbow are:

  • Carrying a heavy object, such as a suitcase
  • Chopping wood with an axe
  • Operating a chain saw or other handheld machinery
  • Frequent use of heavy hand tools
  • Throwing a javelin
  • Climbing and clinging
  • Overexerting your arms
  • Using incompatible or poor fitting hand tools
  • Weak shoulders and hand muscles
Businessman suffering from elbow pain at office High Dynamic Range tone

The human body has the ability to heal itself. However, constant strain and overuse can cause the tendons to stop healing themselves. This leaves the injured area weak and vulnerable, resulting in golfer’s elbow, which in turn causes pain.

What are the Symptoms of Medial Epicondylitis?

Medial epicondylitis can develop over a period of time or occur suddenly, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow is usually a common sign of this condition. The pain is usually triggered when you lift your palm, bend your wrist or twist your forearm. You may also find it difficult to squeeze or grasp items due to pain or reduced strength.

If you have golfer’s elbow, you will likely experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Stiffness of the elbow
  • Weakness of the hand and wrist
  • Pain on the inside of the elbow
  • Numbness in some fingers
  • Difficulty in moving the elbow
  • Difficulty in holding, grasping or lifting some objects

Some people suffering from golfer’s elbow also experience pain beyond the elbow, and this makes it difficult for them to perform certain activities such as giving handshakes, opening a door, and playing games that involve the hands. Medial epicondylitis typically affects the dominant arm.

What Is the Treatment for Medial Epicondylitis?

The first step in treating medial epicondylitis is to stop the activity that causes the condition. This means avoiding movements that caused the condition in the first place, or that can exacerbate the condition. Once this has been handled, the pain caused by golfer’s elbow can be managed.
Common treatment options include:

  • Resting the affected arm
  • Applying cold compress or ice to reduce the swelling, pain and inflammation
  • Take over the counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce the pain and swelling (note that medications must be taken as directed by your doctor)
  • Doing safe stretching exercises to reduce the stiffness in your tendons
  • Wearing an elbow brace or wrap a bandage around the affected elbow

If the condition fails to improve, your doctor may recommend surgery, but this is usually a last resort.

Getting Help

Golfer’s elbow is a condition that affects both men and women, usually within the ages of 30 and 50. Golfer’s elbow is not as common as its sister condition, tennis elbow, and studies show that every year in the UK, one in every 1,000 people visit their GP for medial epicondylitis cases.

Golfer’s elbow is a condition that can significantly affect your lifestyle if left untreated. However, with physiotherapy and osteopathy, it can be treated effectively. If you are suffering from medial epicondylitis, contact us today on XXXXXXXXX to get the help you need.

Medial Epicondylitis FAQ’s

How Serious is Medial Epicondylitis?
While medial epicondylitis is not as common as tennis elbow, it is no less serious. If this condition is left untreated, it can significantly affect your daily routine, until you are unable to use the affected arm for more than short periods of time. For this reason, it is important that you seek professional help as soon as possible if you suspect having golfer’s elbow.
What is the best treatment for Medial Epicondylitis?
There are a number of treatment and management options for medial epicondylitis, and most of them can be done in the comfort of your own home. However, what will be the best treatment for one person may not be the best for you, so it is important that you consult with your doctor before commencing a treatment process.
Does Medial Epicondylitis Require Surgery?
It is possible to manage golfer’s elbow and even get complete relief from pain without surgery, such as by taking injections. However, in the event that non-surgical options fail, your doctor may suggest a surgical alternative

Related Conditions

Get In Touch.

Want to work with us?