[dropcap]G[/dropcap]olf is one of those sports with huge dedicated followers. Ask any golfer, all they want to do is make time for the course. Personally, I cannot even imagine hitting a small ball into a hole so far away, regardless of how large. But for golfers the joy of hitting a hole in one, or coming in under par, is what drives them. It’s a game where you not only play against your opponent but also against yourself. For those with a passion for golf, it can take a heavy toll on the body. It requires upper body strength and overall fitness and stamina. And like all other sports, it comes with its own set of problems. We have all heard of tennis elbow but did you know golfers also develop elbow problems that can be extremely painful and debilitating. The technical name is medial epicondylitis. It doesn’t just affect golfers though; it can also affect tennis players, throwers, bowlers and even weightlifters. So what are the symptoms?
SYMPTOMS
Pain and inflammation in the tendons on the inside of the arm between the elbow and forearm. Symptoms usually come on gradually and you may notice the odd twinge and maybe stiffness in the morning or when resting and then when moving your elbow or wrist. It is caused by overuse in the muscles of the forearm that are responsible for rotating your arm, flexing your wrist and gripping. Any repetitive movements that involve flexing, gripping or swinging can damage the tendons, causing pain and inflammation.
TREATMENT
Early intervention is the best course of treatment; however, most people don’t seek help or advice until their problem has reached the point where all activities have become painful—even lifting a bag or shaking someone’s hand. As soon as you feel any symptoms, no matter how minor, follow the PRICE protocol:
• Protection: In order to prevent further injury, protect the elbow joint. This can be done by wearing a brace, splint or using specialised tape.
• Rest: the quickest way to recover from this injury is to take a complete rest from golf and reduce the number of activities that involve the wrist, gripping and rotating the forearm.
• Ice: Apply a cold pack to the area for 10-15 minutes, every hour for the first few days and then reduce the application to a few times a day as the symptoms subside. Once the symptoms have subsided it is sometimes advisable to use heat; but if in doubt seek professional guidance.
• Compression: Applying a compression sleeve or an elastic bandage helps to support the muscles and tendons; also helps reduce the swelling.
• Elevation: where possible, raise the arm as this helps to relieve pressure on the area and also reduce swelling.
Symptoms often resolve spontaneously but sometimes further intervention is required. If your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks, seek medical advice. Other treatment options include physiotherapy where ultrasound, massage and a guided exercise program may be prescribed. Your physiotherapist will also work with you to analyse your swing and determine whether you have any postural problems or muscle imbalances that may be affecting your movement. In some cases,where recovery is slow or not responding to non-invasive therapies, your doctor may recommend a steroid injection or surgery.
Once the symptoms have resolved and pain and swelling are no longer an issue, it’s time to strengthen the area of the elbow, forearm and wrist. This will not only help you return to your activity more quickly but also decrease the risk of the symptoms returning. Ask your physiotherapist or healthcare provider about stretches for the muscles and nerves and also static and dynamic strengthening exercises.
Kim Jackson is a UK trained physiotherapist with over 20 years experience. She specializes in musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, including back pain and sciatica, stroke and other neuro conditions plus sports physiotherapy. She has worked with local, regional and international athletes, treating injuries and analyzing biomechanics to improve function and performance. She is registered with the Allied Health Council and is a member of PASL. She currently works at Bayside Therapy Services in Rodney Bay. www.baysidetherapyservices.com
