Golfer’s elbow is a common condition that affects golfers and non-golfers alike. It is a painful condition that occurs due to repetitive strain and overuse of the muscles and tendons in your forearm. The pain is usually felt on the inner side of the elbow and it can radiate down to the wrist and fingers. If left untreated golfer’s elbow can become a serious and debilitating condition. In this blog post, we will discuss when golfer’s elbow becomes serious, the symptoms, treatment and prevention.
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow:
The symptoms of golfer’s elbow can vary from mild to severe depending on the extent of the injury. The most common symptoms include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow. The pain can be aggravated by movements like grasping objects, twisting the forearm and lifting weights. You may also experience stiffness and weakness in your elbow, wrist and fingers. In some cases, you may feel a tingling sensation in your arm especially if the condition has progressed to a nerve-related injury.
Treatment of Golfer’s Elbow:
If you are experiencing mild symptoms the first thing you should do is rest your arm and avoid any activities that aggravate the pain. You can also apply ice packs and take anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the pain and swelling. If the pain persists you should consult a Kitchener Waterloo physiotherapy practitioner or a chiropractor. They can provide you with a customized treatment plan that may involve exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your forearm, massage and manual treatments.
Prevention of Golfer’s Elbow:
The best way to prevent golfer’s elbow is to avoid repetitive strain and overuse of your forearm muscles and tendons. This can be achieved by maintaining proper form and technique when performing activities that involve your forearm muscles, such as golf swings, weightlifting, and gripping objects. You can also perform stretching and strengthening exercises to improve your muscle flexibility and endurance. It’s also important to take regular breaks and rest your arm if you feel any pain or discomfort.
When is Golfer’s Elbow Serious?
Golfer’s elbow becomes serious when it starts interfering with your daily activities and affecting your quality of life. If the pain becomes unbearable, or you experience weakness or numbness in your arm or fingers, you should seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms may indicate a nerve-related injury or a more severe condition that requires prompt treatment.
Golfer’s elbow is a common condition that can be treated and prevented by taking proper precautions, resting your arm, and seeking medical attention when necessary. If you experience any symptoms of golfer’s elbow, it’s vital to address them promptly to avoid serious complications. It’s always a good idea to consult a physiotherapist or a chiropractor, who can provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan and help you recover from the condition. With proper care and attention, you can recover from golfer’s elbow and get back to doing the activities you love.
