Do I Have Golfer’s Elbow?

Do you have pain on the inside of your upper forearm, just below the bend of your elbow?

Do you have pain that spreads along the inside of your elbow toward your wrist and the pinky?

Does your pain get worse with certain movements (such as lifting, gripping, carrying, typing, swinging a golf club)?

Do you have pain when bending the wrist towards your forearm?

Do you feel pain when trying to make a fist?

Do you have a weak grip?

Do you feel pain in your arm when shaking hands?

Do you have numbness or tingling sensation in your forearm that may radiate into one or more fingers, usually the ring and little fingers?

Do you have stiffness in your elbow?

Do you have difficulties with moving your elbow?

Are you 40 or older?

Do you play golf, any racket sport, or a sport that involves throwing a ball or lifting weights?

Have you recently changed your training or equipment, such as using new techniques or a new racket?

Do you often perform forceful, repetitive motions of your wrist or arm for at least two hours a day at work or at home (construction workers, carpenters, plumbers)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have a golfer’s elbow. Golfer’s elbow is a medical condition characterized by pain on the inside of your elbow, caused by an inflammation of tendons that control your wrist and fingers. A tendon is a tissue that connects muscles to bones. The pain can spread from the elbow to your wrist. Golfer's elbow is the result of overuse of the forearm muscles. In addition to golfers, many people who perform repetitive and strong movements of the wrists and fingers are prone to this condition such as construction workers, plumbers, carpenters and painters.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have a golfer’s elbow. Golfer’s elbow is also called medial epicondylitis or a pitcher's elbow. It refers to a pain on the inside of your elbow due to inflammation of the tendons in your forearm. Golfer’s elbow may be a work-related injury. Diagnosis is based on a physical examination. Your doctor will place your hand on the flat surface with the palm facing up. He will ask you to raise your arm by bending your wrist against resistance. A person with a golfer’s elbow will feel pain on the inside of the elbow.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have a golfer’s elbow. Golfer’s elbow is a type of elbow tendinitis – an inflammation of a tendon that connects the elbow to the wrist. The medical term for this condition is a medial epicondylitis. A person with a golfer’s elbow usually experiences pain while bending the wrist towards the forearm. Treatment includes rest, avoiding activities that cause you pain, and pain management therapy. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter painkillers, topical medications, physical therapy, wearing a counterforce brace and corticosteroid injections. If the pain persists after three to six months, you may need a surgery.