Our elbow joint is made up of muscles and tendons and the elbow joint is made up of 3 bones known as Humerus, Ulna and Radius. This condition occurs when there is damage to the tendons, muscles and ligaments that surrounds the elbow joint and the forearm. This is similar to the tennis elbow but their only difference is with the location of the pain. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow while GE condition on the inside part.
When micro tears are formed in the muscles and tendons, they affect the movement by restricting it and it also causes pain and inflammation. As the micro tears progress, they form scar tissues and deposits of calcium occur. If this goes untreated, the scar tissue puts pressure on the nerves and muscles and cut the blood flow off and pinch the nerves that are responsible fro the muscle and forearm control.
What Are the Causes?
Golfer’s elbow is caused by overuse or a violent action to the elbow. Overuse with repetitive movement is the most common cause. This is not just a condition suffered by golfers. In fact, people who participate in activities on irregular intervals tend to suffer with G.E. more as they don’t take the time to warm up first before engaging in the activity. Also, with too much enjoyment with the activity, they tend to overuse their elbow without the inadequate rest needed thus straining the muscles. Also, poor technique in movement is also couold be a cause of this painful and debilitating condition. Professional golfers, for instance, know the proper technique in golfing thus eliminating the strain on their elbows while newbies tend to strain their elbow with improper techniques and with their use of equipment that does not fit them.
There are no actual risk factors from this condition but there are risk factors that increase a person’s risk who is suffering from Golfer’s elbow. Middle-aged people, people who performs manual labor on a regular basis and sports enthusiasts playing golf or other sports that uses a racket have the higher risk of suffering from this condition.
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain on the upper forearm and on the inside part of the elbow as well as on the wrists and elbow joints
- Weakness and restriction of movement
What are the Preventative Measures?
There are techniques in preventing golfer’s elbow such as bracing or using straps for the elbow before engaging in an activity. Modifying the equipment you use can also prevent golfer’s elbow. But most importantly, there are three preventable measures that you must follow to keep your elbows pain-free. First, warm up your muscles and tendons before you engage in an activity. Second, stretching will keep your muscles and tendons supple and flexible so they won’t overstretch during an activity. Third, strengthen and condition your forearm muscles as well as your wrist. Here is a link to a great guide “The Golf Beginner Guide” (affiliate link). This guide will help you to better understand the basic bio mechanics of golfing. Targeted at the novice Golfer, the Golf Beginner Guide is a 270 page strong book full of valuable info.
Question: Do you or anyone you know suffers from Golfer’s elbow?