Golfer’s Elbow: ‘‘How to Treat Elbow Pain Effectively’’

Elbow pain affecting your daily activities or sports performance? You might be dealing with Golfer’s Elbow—a common overuse injury that causes pain and inflammation on the inner side of your elbow. Despite the name, you don’t need to be a golfer to experience this condition.

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s Elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition where the tendons that attach to the inner elbow become irritated due to repetitive wrist or finger motions. It’s similar to Tennis Elbow, which affects the outer part of the elbow.

Common Causes of Inner Elbow Pain

Golfer’s Elbow is typically caused by:

• Repetitive gripping or wrist flexion

• Poor lifting technique at the gym

• Playing sports like golf, baseball, or throwing sports

• Office work or manual labor requiring wrist motion

Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

Signs and symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow

• Stiffness or weakness in the wrist or hand

• Pain worsens with gripping or lifting

• Numbness or tingling down the forearm (sometimes)

When to See a Clinician

If pain persists for more than a few weeks, or if it’s interfering with your daily activities, consult a physiotherapist or doctor.

Ultrasound Scan: Why It's Your Next Step

If your pain isn't getting better, it’s a sign that there may be an underlying issue that needs to be precisely identified.

Here’s what a diagnostic ultrasound can reveal:

• Tears: It can pinpoint the exact location and size of tendon.

• Tendinopathy: This is a term for tendon degeneration. The ultrasound can show us if your tendon is disorganized.

• Enthesopathy & Enthesitis: The scan can show if there is inflammation, fluid, or even small bone spurs forming at these attachment points.

Treatment Options for Golfer’s Elbow

1. Rest and Activity Modification

Avoid activities that trigger the pain. This doesn’t mean complete rest—but reducing strain on the elbow gives it time to heal.

2. Ice Therapy

Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation and pain.

3. Bracing or Elbow Support

Using a counterforce brace or elbow strap can reduce stress on the tendon and provide relief during activities.

4. Pain-Relief Medications

Over-the-counter NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can help with pain and inflammation—but should be used short-term.

5. Physiotherapy and Manual Therapy

A physiotherapist can provide:

• Soft tissue mobilization

• Dry needling or ultrasound therapy

• Joint mobilizations

• Corrective exercises
  Manual therapy and guided rehab are among the most effective long-term solutions.

Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections

When initial treatments like rest, ice, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers haven't provided enough relief, an ultrasound-guided cortisone injection may be an effective next step.

What is an Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injection?

A cortisone injection delivers a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area. What makes the "ultrasound-guided" approach so crucial is the use of real-time imaging. A clinician uses an ultrasound machine to visualize the internal structures of your elbow—the tendons and surrounding tissues—as they administer the injection.

The Advantages of Precision

This level of precision offers two significant benefits:

• Enhanced Effectiveness: By accurately targeting the inflamed tendon, the medication is delivered exactly where it's needed most, maximizing its anti-inflammatory effect and potential for pain relief.

• Improved Safety: The live view from the ultrasound helps the clinician avoid sensitive structures like nerves and blood vessels, minimizing the risk of complications and making the procedure safer than "blind" or landmark-guided injections.

More Than Just a Quick Fix

While a cortisone injection can provide significant short-term pain relief, it's not a standalone cure. It's best viewed as a "window of opportunity" to allow you to more comfortably and effectively participate in the rehabilitation and strengthening exercises that are vital for long-term recovery.

Best Exercises for Golfer’s Elbow Recovery

Gentle exercises can help improve flexibility and strengthen the affected area. Try:

• Wrist flexor stretch: Extend your arm, palm up. Use your other hand to gently pull your fingers down and back. Hold for 20–30 seconds.

• Eccentric wrist curls: Using a light dumbbell, slowly lower your wrist down and reset. Focus on the lowering phase.

• Grip strengthening: Use a soft stress ball or therapy putty to gently squeeze and build endurance.

Always consult a professional before beginning a new exercise regimen, especially during pain.

Tips to Prevent Golfer’s Elbow from Coming Back

• Warm up properly before physical activity

• Strengthen your forearm muscles regularly

• Avoid over-gripping tools or sports equipment

• Use ergonomic tools for work and sport

• Maintain good posture and technique

Conclusion:

Golfer’s Elbow isn’t just a nuisance for athletes—it’s a leading cause of chronic elbow pain and functional limitation when ignored. Left untreated, it can interfere with daily tasks and lead to long-term tendon damage.

With the right combination of physiotherapy, targeted exercises, activity modification, supportive care, ultrasound scan, and ultrasound guided cortisone injection, an individuals can reduce pain, restore strength, and regain full use of their elbow.

References:

1. Bhabra, G., Wang, A., Ebert, J. R., Edwards, P., Zheng, M. H., & Zheng, M. H. (2020). Lateral and medial epicondylitis: Role of imaging in diagnosis and management. World Journal of Orthopedics, 11(9), 437–451.

2. Mayr, J., Seles, M., & Brucker, P. (2021). Current concepts in the treatment of medial epicondylitis: A review. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 9(3), 1–8.

3. Ahmad, Z., Siddiqui, N., Malik, S. S., Tytherleigh-Strong, G., & Rushton, N. (2020). Management of tendinopathy: Current status and future perspectives. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, 23(2), 170–177.

4. Bernatz, J. T., & Anderson, P. A. (2021). Nonoperative treatment of common extensor and flexor tendinopathy of the elbow. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 29(11), e521–e529.

5. Krogh, T. P., Fredberg, U., Ammitzbøll-Danielsen, M., Christensen, R., Jensen, K. H., & Ellingsen, T. (2020). Ultrasound-guided injection therapy of tendinopathies: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(13), 730–735.