If you’ve just read our previous blog on tennis elbow and decided to pick up the golf clubs instead of a racquet, there are a few things to think about first. 
Golfer’s elbow is a similar condition to tennis elbow that occurs on the opposite side of the joint. The muscles located in the anterior part of your forearm work to bend the wrist/fingers just as the muscles on the opposite side of your forearm work to extend the wrist/fingers.
Just like tennis elbow, golfers elbow doesn’t necessarily come from playing golf! It can be caused from any activity that requires repetitive wrist flexion. It was named golfers elbow as the tendon which becomes irritated is stressed during the action of a golf swing. It can also be common in baseball pitchers and rock climbers due to the nature of these activities.
These flexor muscles converge into one common tendon which inserts into the bony bit on the inside of your elbow- the medial epicondyle. When the forearm flexor muscles become tight or are being overused- the point at which the tendon inserts into the bone becomes irritated.
As with any tendinopathy, without correction of the underlying causes the symptoms can become painful and troublesome. The treatment for golfer’s elbow is the same as that for tennis elbow. A combination of local treatment to loosen the muscles and exercises to strengthen the tendon can work well, as well as correction of posture and strengthening of the shoulder girdle muscles. A brace can also be worn during the aggravating activity to help minimize stress on the tendon.
Golfer’s Elbow may start out as a niggle but can quickly become a painful interruption to your otherwise peaceful hobby!
If you are noticing pain on the inside of your elbow, don’t hesitate to contact your Bend + Mend Physiotherapist today.
