Golfer's Elbow

What is it?

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is an overuse injury to the outside of the elbow. It is the inflammation of the common wrist extensor tendon at its attachment to the outer elbow (lateral epicondyle). 

 

Tennis Elbow is a common condition that is present in 40% of tennis players and 15% of people working in repetitive manual trades. Sufferers are generally aged between 35-50 years however it can occur at any age. 

 

Symptoms 

 


Mechanism of Injury

Golfer’s elbow is the result of repeated repetitive strong grip while swinging a golf club or racket or by using the wrist too much during these type of motions. The condition is an overuse injury of the wrist flexor tendons that attach at the inner elbow area. Common causes include:


Common Management Techniques

Conservative Management



Prognosis

Most cases of golfer’s elbow can be self-managed with simple things such as modification of activities, simple exercises and if necessary, painkillers. In a small number of cases injections may be done around the tendon insertion and occasionally in unmanageable cases, surgery may be an option.