Golfer’s Elbow Treatment Specialist in Leesburg, Lansdowne, and Stone Springs VA

During golfer’s elbow, tendons connecting the forearm and elbow become inflamed and cause pain and stiffness. You may experience pain in your forearm as well as the bony bump on the inside of your elbow.

Golfer’s elbow can lead to sudden or gradual pain in the elbow and forearm. Along with pain, golfer’s elbow can also cause stiffness, tenderness, and discomfort, usually on the inner side of the elbow or forearm. The symptoms can be aggravated by certain movements, such as making a fist or swinging a golf club. In some cases, there may also be tingling or numbness in the fingers, especially the ring and little fingers. Those suffering from golfer’s elbow may also notice weakness in their hands or wrists, which affects their ability to perform daily tasks.

Overuse or repetitive strain of the forearm muscles and tendons can cause golfer’s elbow, leading to tiny tears in the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inner side of the elbow). Activities that involve gripping, twisting, or throwing, such as golfing, tennis, baseball, or weightlifting, can all contribute to this type of injury.

A direct blow to the elbow or sudden forcefully pulling on the forearm muscles and tendons can also cause golfer’s elbow. It is also possible for golfer’s elbow to develop as a result of poor technique or form during sports.

Other factors that can cause golfer’s elbow to flare up include age-related wear and tear of the tendons and muscles, underlying medical conditions such as arthritis or diabetes, and poor posture or body mechanics. Inadequate rest and recovery between activities and workouts can also exacerbate golfer’s elbow symptoms.

Tennis elbow differs from golfer’s elbow primarily in where the inflammation is located. Golfer’s elbow causes inflammation on the inner side of the arm and elbow, while tennis elbow causes inflammation on the outside of the elbow and forearm. The difference in pain location correlates with the type of tendon that has been injured. Although there are observable differences between golfer’s and tennis elbow, how people experience these conditions will vary and the only way to confirm your condition is to visit a specialist for diagnosis.

Orthopedic doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, including those that affect the elbow, such as golfer’s elbow. In order to diagnose golfer’s elbow, an orthopedic specialist will evaluate your symptoms, examine your elbow and forearm, and discuss any sports or daily activities that may have led to the problem. To help alleviate pain and promote healing, they may recommend nonsurgical treatments such as rest, ice, physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). An immobilization brace or splint may also be prescribed to reduce strain on the injured tendons and immobilize the affected arm.

In some cases, golfer’s elbow may require surgery if conservative treatments fail to provide relief or if the injury is severe. Surgery is typically considered a last resort when other treatments have been unsuccessful, and the individual is experiencing significant pain and functional limitations.

Noninvasive therapies have proven to be extremely effective in helping people reduce their pain and function. If surgery is required, it can repair damaged tendons and remove scar tissue that may cause elbow pain and inflammation. When conservative treatments haven’t relieved your golfer’s elbow, you may be a candidate for surgery. In conjunction with your orthopedic surgeon, you will decide whether surgery is the right decision for you.

Golfer’s elbow treatment is available at the Orthopedic Group. We serve patients from Leesburg VA, Lansdowne VA, Stone Springs VA, Dulles, VA, Ashburn VA, Sterling VA, Aldie VA, South Riding VA, Herndon VA, Winchester VA, Reston VA, and Chantilly VA.