Medically known as medial humeral epicondylitis, golfers' elbow can occur to a wide range of people - not just lovers of the sport!
Golfers' elbow is characterized by pain on the inside of the elbow - around the medial epicondyle of the humerus, the little bump of bone that sticks out on the inside of your elbow joint.
Causes of golfers' elbow are not entirely clear. Some people report a sudden onset, while for others it is a chronic injury that gradually worsens.
Treatment is the same as for its tennis counterpart:
- Rest - in particular reducing the activity that caused the injury
- NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as ibuprofen
- Regular painkillers (analgesics)
- Ice packs and heat treatments - these can reduce pain and increase blood flow to the area
- Wearing an elastic elbow support
- Strengthening exercises and physical therapy
- Steroid injections into the joint
Of these, exercise will ultimately be the most important - strengthening the supporting muscles around the elbow joint is the long term way to avoid repeated occurrences.
