What is Golfer's Elbow?
Golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is characterized by pain that starts on the inner side of the elbow joint (medial epicondyle) and radiates towards the forearm.
What Causes Golfer's Elbow?
The group of muscles that bend your wrist towards the palm are called wrist flexor muscles (flexor muscles of the wrist). These muscles turn into tendons near the elbow and attach to a bony bump on the inner side of the elbow joint (medial epicondyle). In cases like golfers, when this muscle group is overworked, small tears and degeneration occur in the tendons, leading to the painful condition called golfer's elbow.
Who is Most Likely to Develop Golfer's Elbow?
Especially in tennis players who serve hard.
Tennis players who use heavy and short rackets.
People who play golf.
Due to weakness in shoulder and wrist muscles.
After carrying a heavy suitcase.
After chopping trees with an axe.
Workers using electric saws.
What are the Symptoms of Golfer's Elbow?
The most common symptom of golfer's elbow is pain on the bony bump on the inner side of the elbow. The pain increases when you forcefully bend your wrist towards the palm. If your elbow pain increases while squeezing a small rubber ball in your palm, it may suggest golfer's elbow.
How is Golfer's Elbow Diagnosed?
Golfer's elbow is diagnosed with a detailed history and physical examination.
How is Golfer's Elbow Treated?
The treatment for golfer's elbow begins with stopping or reducing the activities and movements that cause pain.
In addition, the treatment for golfer's elbow includes the following:
Ice application
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Medications that you can use after consulting your doctor
Epicondylitis band and wrist splint
Treatment of Golfer's Elbow with Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection
Platelet-rich plasma is prepared and injected into the medial epicondyle region under ultrasound guidance.
Who Should Undergo Golfer's Elbow Surgery?
If the pain does not decrease after an average of 6-12 months of non-surgical treatment methods for golfer's elbow, surgery may be considered. However, it should be noted that surgery is very rarely needed for golfer's elbow.
What Kind of Surgery is Performed for Golfer's Elbow?
The surgery involves removing damaged, unhealed tendon parts and suturing them back together. In some patients, there is impaired blood flow in the medial epicondyle bone bump. In such cases, the tendon attached to the medial epicondyle is detached, and procedures are performed on the bone to increase blood flow. The detached tendons are then sutured back to the bone.
What is the Recovery Process Like After Golfer's Elbow Surgery?
The surgical wound heals 10-14 days after golfer's elbow surgery, and elbow movements are allowed after surgery. You may experience pain for 4-5 days, which can be managed with painkillers and cold applications. It is essential to follow an exercise program for strengthening once the wound has healed.
If the tendons are detached and reattached, the elbow joint is immobilized with a splint for three weeks. Exercise and physiotherapy begin after this period.
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