Orthopedic Care for Golfer’s Elbow in Northern California

Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is inflammation of the tendon that attaches your forearm muscles to the bone on the inside of the elbow. While golfer’s elbow is one of the most common golf-related injuries, it often develops as a result of other activities that use the same type of finger clenching and arm motions.

If you are experiencing the painful symptoms of an elbow condition, such as golfer’s elbow, in Northern California, expert orthopedic specialists at Dignity Health North State can help you find relief. St. Elizabeth Community Hospital in Red Bluff offers a Sports Medicine program. Find a Doctor near you today to make an appointment.

 

Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:

  • Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow
  • Numbness or tingling below the elbow
  • Joint stiffness
  • Mild swelling
  • Difficulty clenching fingers or making a fist
  • Tightness or weakness in the forearms

 

Causes of Golfer’s Elbow

The primary causes of golfer’s elbow are overuse injuries and repetitive movements of the elbow. Repetitive motions stress the forearm tendons and muscles, causing wear and tear over time. Because your tendons become less flexible and slowly weaken as you age, they become more susceptible to stresses and injuries. The forceful, repetitive wrist movements and finger clenching used in golf and other sports often cause golfer’s elbow.

 

Golfer’s Elbow Treatment at Dignity Health North State

Our goal is to design a personalized treatment plan that best fits your needs. Noninvasive treatments, such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines, cold therapy, and rest, will help reduce inflammation and pain caused by golfer’s elbow. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair damage to the forearm muscles and tendons.

You can help prevent golfer’s elbow by strengthening your forearm muscles. Exercises such as wrist curls, reverse wrist curls, and tennis ball squeezes can help strengthen those muscles.

If you are a golfer, you can minimize the force on your arm when striking the ball by slowing your swing. No matter what sport you play, warming up before and stretching after activities can help lessen your risk of injury.

Talk to an orthopedic specialist to learn more about your pain from golfer’s elbow and how we can prevent it. 

Dignity Health North State offers complete care for sports injuries like golfer’s elbow Mt. Shasta, Red Bluff, and Redding, CA.