Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

What is Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow?

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, golfer’s and tennis elbow are painful disorders caused by inflammation occurring near the elbow joint, but the pain can occur in other areas of the forearm and elbow.

Damaged tendons can occur on either side of the elbow. When it happens on the outside of the elbow, which is most common, it is called tennis elbow. When it happens on the inside, it is called “golfer’s elbow.”

Symptoms of Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow:

The extreme tenderness and pain associated with golfer’s and tennis elbow comes primarily from the injured or damaged tendons near the elbow. When repeatedly stressed and overused, the tendons become inflamed and degenerate.

Who’s at Risk for Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow?

The tendons surrounding the elbow can get overloaded when the hand and forearm are used in strong, jerky movements such as gripping, lifting, or throwing. Tennis and golfer’s elbow is associated with occupations that require repeated or forceful movements of the fingers, wrist, and forearm. They can develop because of too much force at once or small amounts of force for too long a period

Prevention:

Modify activities that increase the risk of developing tennis and golfer’s elbow. Proper job design is the most effective means of avoiding repetitive actions, such as rotating tasks or using machinery to alleviate the loads.

Treatment Options:

Rest from the activities that cause the conditions is imperative to begin healing. Elbow bracing may also provide short term relief. Ask Dr. Strong which techniques are appropriate to help speed the healing your painful elbow condition.