All You Need To Know About Golfer’s Elbow
The major difference between Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow is that different ligaments get affected and there are different causes for the medical conditions.
The major symptom of Golfer’s Elbow is that your elbow will swell up, becoming red and you’ll have difficulty in moving your arm.
Cause of Golfer’s Elbow
Though Golfer’s Elbow points towards people who play golf, most people affected by Golfer’s Elbow have never played golf in their entire life. This medical condition is linked to an acute or overuse injury.
Golfer’s Elbow is also called Climber’s Elbow because it is known to happen to climbers who put too much strain on their elbow. This could happen because of very intensive grips applied by the fingers and torsion of the wrist, leading up to the medial epicondyle in the elbow. However, this is only in acute cases.
Most Golfer’s Elbow cases are an overuse case. Usually, an activity which involves swinging the arm causes irritation to the medial epicondyle and eventually, swells it up. Overuse can be due to a work or sport related activity that requires repetitive action.
Treatment of Golfer’s Elbow
Treating Golfer’s Elbow is simple and easy.
- Cold or Hot Treatment
To give your elbow immediate relief, you can either press ice or a hot water bottle against it. This will help bring the swelling down.
- Change your Lifestyle
Make a change in your lifestyle where you don’t have to repetitively strain your elbow ligament. If it is a work related issue, either change the job or take a leave until the swelling goes down. However, taking a leave will only be temporary solution and once you’re back at work, the Golfer’s Elbow will affect you again.
- Exercise
Simple exercises and stretches will do good to bring down the inflammation.
- Forearm Stretches: Stand straight with your hands to the side and your palms facing front. Then, bend your palms forward so it is facing the ground. Hold it for 30 seconds.
- Triceps Stretch: While standing, raise up your injured arm up and reach for the back of your neck. Hold it for 5 seconds.
There are quite a few more you can try, but start with these two.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medication
If the Golfer’s Elbow is getting worse and not healing, you should visit a doctor. She will give you anti-inflammatory medication that will help control the pain and reduce the swelling.
- Change your Swing
If it actually happened because you are playing golf, you need to change your stance, your swing and your golf club. Improve your swing mechanics so it doesn’t cause any stress.
If Golfer’s Elbow really becomes sever, you’ll face intense pain and your arm will become useless. Take care of it and don’t stress out your elbow.
