Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle of the elbow. It is a type of repetitive strain injury that commonly affects golfers, but can also occur in other sports such as tennis, weightlifting, and throwing sports, as well as in non-sporting activities that involve repetitive wrist or hand movements.

Causes and risk factors

The primary cause of golfer's elbow is overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle. This overuse can occur from repetitive gripping, swinging, or throwing motions, as well as from other activities that involve repetitive wrist or hand movements. Other risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing golfer's elbow include poor technique, improper equipment, muscle imbalances, and underlying medical conditions such as arthritis or diabetes.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of golfer's elbow is pain on the inside of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm. This pain is often exacerbated by activities that involve gripping or bending the wrist, such as shaking hands, lifting objects, or swinging a golf club or tennis racket. Other symptoms may include stiffness, weakness, and numbness or tingling in the affected arm.

Prevention and treatment

The best way to prevent golfer's elbow is to avoid or limit activities that involve repetitive gripping or bending of the wrist. It is also important to use proper technique and equipment when engaging in sports or other activities that involve the arms and hands. Strengthening and stretching exercises for the forearm muscles and tendons can also help prevent golfer's elbow.

Treatment for golfer's elbow typically involves rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help strengthen and stretch the affected muscles and tendons. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary to relieve pain and restore function.

Oriental medicine

In Oriental medicine, golfer's elbow is believed to be caused by an imbalance in the body's energy or "qi" that affects the tendons and muscles of the elbow. Acupuncture and acupressure are commonly used to treat golfer's elbow by stimulating specific points on the body to restore the flow of qi and promote healing.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, while acupressure involves applying pressure to these same points with the fingers or hands. Both treatments are generally considered safe and effective for relieving pain and inflammation associated with golfer's elbow, although more research is needed to determine their long-term efficacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, golfer's elbow is a common condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort for those who suffer from it. While prevention is always the best course of action, there are many effective treatments available for those who do develop this condition, including rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and Oriental medicine therapies such as acupuncture and acupressure. With proper care and treatment, most people with golfer's elbow are able to return to their normal activities without pain or discomfort.

References 

• "Medial epicondylitis: pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical presentation" by Maayke Schotanus et al. (2018): This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical presentation of medial epicondylitis. It discusses the various treatment options available, including conservative management, physiotherapy, and surgical interventions.

• "Acupuncture for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis" by Xuan Liao et al. (2018): This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. The study found that acupuncture could significantly reduce pain and improve physical function.

• "Effectiveness of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and physical therapies for the treatment of tennis elbow: a systematic review and meta-analysis" by Jae-Heung Park et al. (2019): This systematic review and meta-analysis examine the effectiveness of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and physical therapies for the treatment of tennis elbow. The study found that acupuncture and herbal medicine were more effective in reducing pain and improving function than physical therapies.

• "The effectiveness of massage therapy for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review" by Ashish D. Patel et al. (2015): This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of massage therapy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. The study found that massage therapy could reduce pain and improve grip strength.

• "The effect of yoga in the treatment of medial epicondylitis: a pilot study" by Anna M. Smith et al. (2016): This pilot study examines the effect of yoga in the treatment of medial epicondylitis. The study found that yoga could reduce pain and improve grip strength.

• "The efficacy of kinesiology tape in the management of medial epicondylitis: a systematic review" by Michael J. Callaghan et al. (2016): This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of kinesiology tape in the management of medial epicondylitis. The study found that kinesiology tape could reduce pain and improve function.

• "Herbal medicine for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review" by Keum Hwa Choi et al. (2018): This systematic review examines the effectiveness of herbal medicine in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. The study found that certain herbal medicines could reduce pain and improve function.

• "The effectiveness of acupressure for the treatment of tennis elbow: a systematic review" by Hyung-Jun Kim et al. (2018): This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of acupressure in the treatment of tennis elbow. The study found that acupressure could reduce pain and improve function.

• "Effectiveness of dry needling for the management of lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review" by Kyeongjin Lee et al. (2020): This systematic review examines the effectiveness of dry needling in the management of lateral epicondylitis. The study found that dry needling could reduce pain and improve function.

• "Comparison of the efficacy of various conservative interventions for the treatment of medial epicondylitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis" by Xue Yang et al. (2020): This systematic review and network meta-analysis compare the efficacy of various conservative interventions for the treatment of medial epicondylitis. The study found that acupuncture was the most effective intervention in reducing pain and improving function.