Golfer’s Elbow Experts in san antonio

What is golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition which affects the inner side of the elbow where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow (medial epicondyle). Despite its name, this condition is not exclusive to golfers as it can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their wrist or clenches their fingers, such as in golfing, but also in activities like tennis, throwing, weightlifting, and repetitive hand or wrist movements.

Some common treatment options for golfer’s elbow include:

  • Rest: Giving the affected arm and elbow proper rest is crucial to allow the tendons to heal. Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain and modifying movements that strain the elbow can help in the recovery process.

  • Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Cold therapy can be applied for about 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially after activities that may exacerbate the symptoms.

  • Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.

  • Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design specific exercises and stretches to strengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons around the elbow. These exercises can improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and promote healing.

  • Bracing or Splinting: Wearing a brace or splint can help stabilize the elbow and reduce strain on the tendons. This may be especially beneficial during activities that could exacerbate the condition.

  • Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

What are common symptoms of Golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow can lead to various symptoms, depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:

  • Sensitivity or tenderness to the touch

  • Stiffness when trying to fully extend

  • Pain with movement

  • Weakness that impacts your grip strength

  • Radiating pain from elbow to forearm

  • Worsening symptoms over time

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately, as early intervention can prevent further pain. A delay in treatment could result in more severe or permanent issues.

why come to The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio for your Golfer’s elbow?

When you visit us at The Hand and Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, you will find a fine-tuned team ready to take care of you. Your physicians have over 100 years of collective experience and represent multiple generations and training backgrounds. In addition to your surgeons, you may meet one of our hand surgery fellows. Each fellow is a fully trained orthopaedic or plastic surgeon who has completed 5 to 7 years of surgical training after graduation from medical school and has chosen to spend an additional year in training to study hand surgery. In addition to the physicians, you will meet various staff members. From the front desk staff and Medical Assistants (MA’s) to the x-ray and cast technicians, each is committed to taking care of you.

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Did you know we offer in-house therapy?

Hand therapy is a merging of occupational and physical therapy theory and practice that combines comprehensive knowledge of the structure of the upper limb with function and activity. Using specialized skills in assessment, planning and treatment, hand therapists provide therapeutic interventions to prevent dysfunction, restore function and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limb in order to enhance an individual’s ability to execute tasks and to participate fully in life situations.