Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

What is golfer's elbow?

While golfer’s elbow is a common golf-related injury, it’s not limited to this sport. Any athlete who participates in throwing sports or repeats the same finger clenching and arm motions can develop golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis.

Golfer’s elbow is a form of tendinitis, or irritation or inflammation of the tendon. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow, especially when you move it. You may also notice joint stiffness, mild swelling and tingling or numbness below the elbow. Some athletes also experience weakness or tightness in the forearms, which makes it difficult to clench your fingers or make a first.

At Goshen Physicians Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our providers understand how a sports injury can get in the way of enjoying your favorite activities. We’re committed to helping our patients address arm and elbow pain caused by golfer’s elbow in Goshen, Nappanee and Shipshewana. Call (574) 534-2548 to make an appointment today.

Get back in the game with golfer's elbow treatment

What causes golfer’s elbow or any type of tendinitis is overuse injuries and repetitive motions. The forearm muscles and tendons are stressed repeatedly, causing wear and tear over time. As you age, you’re more susceptible to injuries as your tendons weaken and lose flexibility.

In golfer’s elbow, the main factor is repetitive, forceful wrist movement and finger clenching. If there is numbness associate with pain, an Electromyography (EMG) would be necessary.

Our Orthopedics & Sports Medicine providers will recommend rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medicine if your golfer’s elbow is mild. If there is severe damage, our orthopedic surgeons may perform surgery for tendinitis to repair the tendons and forearm muscles. We may also recommend physical therapy at Goshen Rehabilitation, conveniently located in our same building, as you recover.

Rooted in the community, our sports medicine specialists partner with schools and sports centers in Elkhart County and surrounding areas. We want to see athletes of all ages and skill levels safely and healthily participate in their favorite sports. To learn more about how our team of board certified, fellowship trained experts can help, call (574) 534-2548.

Goshen Physicians Orthopedics & Sports Medicine provides comprehensive orthopedic care for golfer’s elbow in Goshen, Nappanee and Shipshewana, IN.