Elbow Tendinopathies in Golf

Abstract

Elbow tendinopathies are common in golfers and are caused by repetitive overuse during the golf swing. Any specific activity performed will often cause chronic irritation to the tendons that attach to the medial aspect of the elbow. It is called "golfer's elbow" (or what was formerly called medial epicondylitis) when there is an injury to the medial tendinous region of the elbow. It is a form of tendinitis that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm to the elbow. The pain is concentrated in the bony protuberance on the inside of the elbow and may radiate down the forearm. Treatment options include rest, ice, NSAIDs, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injections. Tendinopathies are common causes of elbow pain, resulting in significant functional limitations in golfers, especially professionals over 25 years of age. Golfers complain of gradual onset pain with or without specific trauma. However, elbow tendinopathy can be caused by sports activities other than golf and tennis, as well as work-related activities that involve heavy use of the wrist and forearm muscles.