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Conditions & Treatments - Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow) |
Golfer's elbow or medial epicondylitis is related to medial tension overload of the elbow from recurring micro-trauma to the flexor-pronator musculature at its insertion onto the medial epicondyle (1). It involves primarily the pronator teres and flexor carpi radialis and occasionally flexor carpi ulnaris, flexor digitorum superficialis, and palmaris longus (1, 2). It is often associated with activities which require a strong hand grip and an adduction movement of the elbow as well as repetitive use at the elbow, forearm, wrist (flexion) and fingers (gripping) (1, 2). Individuals who experience medial epicondylitis are usually between the ages of 40-60 years old with a slightly higher prevalence in women compared to men (1, 2). |
Medial epicondylitis is associated with pain on the medial side of the elbow which is aggravated with movements involving repetitive wrist flexion, pronation and valgus stress (2). Medial epicondylitis is often called golfer's elbow because many golfers would develop pain on the inside of the elbow or inner side of the forearm as a result of poor swing and grip mechanics (1, 2). Other activities which are associated with medial epicondylitis includes tennis, throwing, swimming, and performing manual jobs which requires repetitive hammering and screwing (1, 2). (image from 20th U.S. edition of Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body published in 1918 - inside left elbow) |
Medial Epicondylitis Treatment Options for a PT
• Ice / NSAIDs
• Rest / Activity Modification
• Postural / Mechanics Correction
• Manual Therapy / Soft Tissue Mobilization
• ROM/Stretching
• Strengthening
• Bracing
• Ultrasound/Phonophoresis/Iontophoresis
| Comment - Message Board |
Last revised: April 24, 2017
by Chai Rasavong, MPT, COMT, MBA
References
1) Hertling D, Kessler R. Management of Common Musculoskeletal
Disorders. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2006;
371-374.
2) Brady C, Dutta A. Medial Epicondylitis and Medial Elbow Pain
Syndrrome: Current Treatment Strategies. Journal of Musculoskeletal
Disorders and Treatment. 2016; 2(2):1-5.
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