Editor’s Note: In the latest installment of a monthly series on common sports injuries, Dr. Dena Florczyk, from the Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center, discusses elbow pain, specifically golfer’s and tennis elbow.
By DENA FLORCZYK
An overuse of the forearm muscles can lead to irritation and inflammation of the tendon attachments near the elbow, known as tendinitis.Pain that develops on the outside of the elbow is often known as “tennis elbow” or lateral epicondylitis, and when it occurs on the inside of the elbow, it is often referred to as “golfer’s elbow” or medial epicondylitis. While tennis and golf may be common activities that cause irritation to the elbow tendons, throwing sports, racquet sports, carpentry or computer work may also irritate the tendons that attach near the elbow.
Symptoms of lateral epicondylitis include pain on the outer aspect of the elbow, which can be made worse by lifting objects, making a fist, gripping objects, shaking hands or turning door knobs. Symptoms of medial epicondylitis include pain on the inside aspect of the elbow, which worsens when the wrist is bent or when one is making a fist.
The initial treatment of an elbow tendinitis should include resting from painful activity and protecting the injured tendon to allow healing and decreased inflammation. Using an over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), can provide pain relief.
Icing the elbow for 10 to 20 minutes every four to six hours or performing an ice massage with frozen water in a Styrofoam cup that is rubbed over the elbow can also reduce pain and inflammation. An elbow strap, applied over the forearm below the area of pain, can be used to reduce the pressure on the injured tendon, or a wrist brace may be used temporarily to force the forearm muscles and tendons to be rested.
As symptoms allow, you may begin doing some stretching exercises and progress to strengthening exercises of the forearm, elbow and shoulder. Some people may benefit from physical therapy to assist in their recovery.Most people will have resolution of pain and be able to return to sports within two to three months of conservative treatments; however, in some severe and refractory cases, surgery may be needed.
Preventive measures for tennis or golfer’s elbow include taking frequent breaks from repetitive hand and wrist activities such as typing, reducing repetitive gripping and grasping with the hand and wrist, wearing gloves or adding padding if using tools such as a hammer, as well as maintaining proper lifting techniques and posture. Making sure you have the appropriate grip size for racquets or golf clubs, having the proper string tension on racquets, as well as good technique for hitting and swinging, are also important preventive measures.
You should see your health care provider if your elbow pain persists despite the above measures, if you are unable to return to your previous level of activity because of pain or weakness, or if you have had trauma, numbness or tingling in the elbow or forearm.
Dr. Florczyk is a sports medicine physician at the Arthur Ashe Student Health Center.