Golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis is the most common injury among golf players or any other individuals involved in activities that apply stress to the forearm. Golfer’s elbow is characterized by pain and tenderness on the elbow’s inner side. Specifically, the bumpy side of the elbow (medial epicondyle), where tendons of the forearm muscles attach. When the tendon fibres that attach the forearm muscles to the arm bone tear, it results in inflammation. The injury is caused by continuous, vigorous, stress or overuse of muscles involved in extending and lifting of the wrist and hand. The pain typically exists around the top of the arm below the elbow.
A Medi-Dyne’s golf elbow brace is specifically designed to help with the pain. It helps in applying sufficient pressure to the upper forearm to help keep the muscles stable. With the work it does, a Medi-Dyne’s golf elbow brace helps alleviate pain and minimize stress on the muscles. Thus it helps in healing and reducing discomfort. Golfer’s or other individuals involved in strenuous forearm activities will find that if they wear the support it offers considerable protection. Golfers can also try to prevent the injuries by doing the “limp wrist” stretches. When the players grip the golf club too hard it can lead to Golfer’s elbow pain. For those who are playing golf for the first time in a long while, they should make sure they stretch the muscles that work over the wrist regularly. The stretches that are done are the “limp twist” stretches.
The diagnosis involves the doctor asking you to move your elbow, wrist and fingers in some ways to evaluate the pain and stiffness. The doctor might also apply pressure to the affected area. When one is diagnosed with Golfer’s elbow they are advised to avoid activities that cause pain. Over the counter pain relievers can also be prescribed. After being diagnosed with Golfer’s elbow, doctor’s recommend therapy to the patient. Using a brace among other options are offered for therapy.
Doctors recommend the use of a counterforce brace on the affected arm like the Medi-Dyne’s golf elbow brace. This is recommended in psychical therapy during the healing process. Resting is also recommended in therapy, hereby one should abstain from playing golf and others strenuous repetitive activities until the arm completely heals. Returning to those activities too soon might make the condition worse. Another treatment method involved is applying ice on the affected area. The affected person should apply ice on the arm three to four times a day, 15 to 20 minutes at a time for several days. It might also help if they massage the inner elbow with ice for approximately 5 minutes at a time. To protect the skin from the ice, the ice packs should be wrapped in a thin towel. Stretching and strengthening the affected area is also involved in physical therapy. The doctor will suggest a few exercises after the diagnosis to help with stretching and also strengthening. A method that has been found to be especially effective is the progressive loading of the tendon, this is done by using specific strengthening exercises. Patients can also try other occupational and physical practices that can be helpful.
The prescription involved assists in relieving pain and swelling in the short-term. For pain, doctors might prescribe Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAID), like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin. Topical medications also help in reducing pain and swelling. An infection of corticosteroid or painkiller can be found on the elbow. These over the counter drugs do not offer permanent solutions or benefits. Surgery is seldom necessary. People should also gradually return to their usual activities.