Find Care for Golfer’s Elbow in Southern California

Golfer’s elbow is a form of tendonitis that occurs when the tendons in the elbow becomes irritated or inflamed. Also known as medial epicondylitis, golfer’s elbow is one of the most common injuries related to playing golf, but it is also caused by throwing sports and repetitive arm motions.

Orthopedic doctors at Dignity Health Southern California offer the latest clinical care and treatment for golfer’s elbow in Southern California. If you need to make an appointment, Find a Doctor today.

Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms

The symptoms of golfer’s elbow are primarily pain, discomfort, and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow. Additional symptoms may include: 

  • Forearm tightness or weakness
  • Numbness and tingling below the elbow
  • Joint stiffness
  • Mild swelling

If you have golfer’s elbow, it may be uncomfortable to clench your fingers or make a fist.

Common Golfer’s Elbow Causes

The main causes of golfer’s elbow are overuse injuries or repetitive arm motions. With repetitious movements, the tendons in the elbow become stressed from wear and tear over a period of time. With age, tendons in the body gradually weaken, becoming less flexible. People who play golf regularly engage in repetitive wrist movements and finger clenching when hitting the golf ball.

Golfer’s Elbow Treatment at Dignity Health Southern California

Initial treatment for golfer’s elbow will include rest, ice, and over-the-counter medicines to help with inflammation and pain. More advanced cases of golfer’s elbow may require elbow surgery to relieve tendonitis and repair any damage to the forearm muscles and tendons.

You can take steps to prevent golfer’s elbow by exercising and strengthening the muscles in your forearms. This includes things like wrist curls, reverse wrist curls, or squeezing a tennis ball. If you love playing golf, you can reduce your risk of injury by slowing your golf swing. This will lessen the force placed on your arm when you hit the ball. Warming up and stretching can also help prevent sprains and strains.

For more information, talk to one of our orthopedic or sports medicine specialists today.

Dignity Health offers comprehensive care to diagnose and treat a wide range of sports injuries like golfer’s elbow in Southern California.