Golfer™s elbow
Golfer™s elbow is a condition characterised by pain on the inner aspect of the elbow.
The Flexor muscles of the forearm attach to the medial epicondyle of the humerus bone through a Common flexor origin. Whenever, they are subjected to trauma or Overuse injury, there can be inflammation of the common origin leading to Medial epicondylitis.
The prevalence of Golfer™s elbow in general population is estimated to be <1%.< /p>
Golfer™s elbow is a misnomer as it is also seen in people from other professions involving overuse of the Flexors of forearm like plumbers, carpenters, painters, IT professionals.
Signs and Symptoms
- Stabbing type of pain on the inner aspect of elbow which can radiate to the forearm
- Aggravation of pain on activities like shaking hands, gripping an object or holding a coffee mug.
- Stiffness in the elbow or weakness in the hands
- Numbness or tingling usually in the little and ring fingers.
Risk Factors
- Age. While tennis elbow affects people of all ages, it's most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.
- Occupation. People who have jobs that involve repetitive motions of the wrist and arm are more likely to develop Golfer’s elbow. Examples include plumbers, painters, carpenters, butchers and cooks
- Certain sports.Participating in throwing sports with improper pitching technique. Football, archery and javelin throwing also can cause golfer's elbow.
JEEVISHA protocol for management of Golfer™s elbow
- Conservative management: Lifestyle modification with avoiding of activities which are the main culprits play a very important role in its management. Use of elbow splints/braces to reduce excessive stress on the muscles also proves very helpful. Icing is also generally advised 2-3 times a day to reduce the inflammation.
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy plays a very important role in fighting this painful condition. With a team of dedicated physiotherapist, patient is further evaluated and accordingly a plan is prepared for first reducing pain with different modalities and then slowly rehabilitating elbow for normal functioning.
- Medications: In the initial course of the management of this condition, patients may be prescribed some Anti-inflammatory medications. Some other medications may be prescribed depending on the condition of the patient, which is individualized from patient to patient basis.
Targeted treatment
- Ultrasound guided injection
- Ultrasound guided Dextrose prolotherapy
- Ultrasound guided Platelet rich plasma Prolotherapy