Golfer’s elbow

Diagnosis:

Doctor will evaluate the medical history and perform a physical examination. These include performing movement of the joint and applying pressure to the joint which could result in pain or stiffness.

To find out other abnormalities such as arthritis, broken bones or nerve compression, the following tests may be requested:

• X-ray
• Ultrasound / Computed Tomography (CT) scan / Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Electromyography (EMG)

Treatment:

• Rest: Promotes healing and prevents elbow from weight-bearing and overuse activities for at least six weeks.
• Ice: Apply ice for 20 minutes every 2 hours while awake to prevent or minimize swelling.
• Elevation: Elevate your elbow on a pillow while lying down.
• Stretching and strengthening: Specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles that attach to the site of the injured tendon after pain subsides, this will help with the healing process.
• Using golfer’s elbow brace: Doctor might recommend you to use a counterforce brace to reduce tendon and muscle stress.
• Over-the-counter pain reliever: Medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium or acetaminophen can be taken.
• Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): This technique collects a few amounts of your blood. The platelets and other anti-inflammatory factors from the blood will be injected back to the affected area.
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), Laser therapy

Surgery

Surgery is not usually indicated to treat Golfer’s elbow unless non-operative treatments have failed to improve the range of motion and decrease pain. Doctor may recommend surgery to remove the damaged tissue and repair the tendon. After the surgery, you must undergo physical therapy for recovery. If left untreated a golfer’s elbow can lead to long-term elbow pain and permanent grip weakness. If your pain is relieved, you may continue regular activities again.