Definition - What does Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow) mean?
Medial epicondylitis, also called golfer's elbow, is a health condition by which the tendons along the inside of the forearm become inflamed or irritated due to repetitive forces/strain. A golfer's elbow can impair muscles that help flex the fingers, thumbs, and wrists, compounded by forearms/wrists to pronate or hold/turn objects with the palm(s) facing down. Tendons in this joint are more susceptible to injury based on a low vascular (blood) supply.SureHire explains Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
Medial epicondylitis can mark telltale signs of localized pain that radiate from the tendons at the humerus down into the forearms, hands, and wrists. Numbness, tingling, sensitivity, and elbow stiffness are a few examples that can impact fine motor skills (i.e., gripping/turning) and gross motor skills (i.e., throwing). The medial epicondyle is a bony bump at the elbow joint that helps stabilize muscles between exerted forces/loads. However, early treatment plays off the job demands taxed on the two-joint tendon, which gives way to fraying or tears from overuse. This approach will help level the extent of damage from a golfer's elbow beyond the point that motor function is impaired.
A physical therapist (PT) often serves as a liaison to help diagnose cases of medial epicondylitis. They will draw on a battery of tests that taps into dynamics from overall strength to range of motion (ROM) factors aided by the feedback from the patient on specific job duties and tasks. Pain management, palpation (touch), and muscle tests are objective tools to note changes based on a plan of care for a full recovery. A PT will use neutral biomechanics to show the depth of medial epicondylitis. For example, flexion (bending of the wrists) and pronation (turning the forearm) give insight into the leverage needed to withstand loads and repetitive forces in a case of medial epicondylitis. The PT will unpack methods tailored to each patient's case to help the medial tendons heal over time. Range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, resistance exercises, and modified work schedules/tasks often fit into the mix.
