Formed by the upper arm bone (humerus) and the two bones that compose the forearm (radius and ulna), the elbow is a joint that only moves in one direction, also known as a hinge joint. Ligaments, muscles, and tendons surround the joint and connect the bones together, as well as provide stability during movement.
The muscles in the forearm that connect to the elbow extend down to the wrist and fingers, and allow the arm to rotate and the wrist to flex. Damage to the tendons or muscles in the elbow can cause pain and weakness in the joint, which often radiates down the forearm muscles to the wrist and fingers.
Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a painful overuse injury that causes the tendons surrounding the joint to become inflamed. It is often associated with sports and professions that require repetitive hand, wrist, or forearm movement, such as golf, baseball, and painting.
Golfer’s elbow often develops after repeated use of the muscles in the forearm. The constant stress on the elbow joint will often cause the tendons on the inside of the elbow to become inflamed, and possibly even tear. Incorrectly gripping or swinging clubs can increase a golfer’s chances of developing golfer’s elbow.
As inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow joint increases, patients will often experience pain and tenderness around the elbow and down the inside of the forearm. As the condition progresses, the elbow will often stiffen and the hand and wrist will weaken. This often makes tasks, such as making a fist or turning a doorknob, difficult to complete.
Symptoms often develop gradually over time, but can occur suddenly after direct force on the elbow or wrist. Golfer’s elbow can affect patients of any age, but is most common in male golfers between the ages of 20 and 50.
The majority of patients suffering from Golfer’s elbow are able to relieve or manage painful symptoms with a combination of conservative treatment options. Dr. Haar will often recommend one or more of the following treatments:
If painful symptoms continue or progress after 6 to 12 months of conservative treatment, Dr. Haar may recommend minimally invasive surgery to relieve pain symptoms and return arm strength.
To determine if surgery will best fit the patients needs, Dr. Haar will complete several tests to diagnose the severity of tendon and muscle damage, including X-rays, MRIs, and electromyography.
Using arthroscopic techniques (a form of minimally invasive surgery), Dr. Haar will remove the damaged or inflamed tendons. Compared to the open technique, this allows for a quicker recovery and an earlier return to normal activities, such as work and sports.
Learn more about elbow pain and arthroscopic elbow surgery »Dr. Robert D. Haar is one of New York’s most experienced orthopaedic and sports medicine physicians, and a minimally invasive surgery specialist. Dr. Haar provides world-class custom care to patients in the New York City area. To schedule an appointment, contact his New York City office at (212) 876-7000.
