Golfers Elbow

Golfers elbow is a type of tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendons. Tendons are connective tissues that attach muscle to bone. Because of the force of the muscle, the points where the tendon attaches to the bone are often pointed protrusions. The medical name of Golfers Elbow (medial epicondylitis) comes from the name of these bony protrusions where the tendons insert, and where the inflammation causes the pain. The pain of golfer's elbow is usually at the elbow joint on the inside of the arm; a shooting sensation down the forearm is also common when gripping objects.

Generally, damage is done at the point where the forearm tendon is anchored to the upper arm bone (humerus) resulting from shock travelling up the arm while, simultaneously, gripping something tightly. The result is microscopic tears in the tendon at the anchor point where inflammation occurs. The forearm muscles are in continual tension due to the opposing action needed by the hand for gripping, the tendon inflammation (tendonitis) is unable to heal.

The mechanism of this injury can vary from a single violent action, more commonly, to repetitive stress injury; where an action is performed repeatedly and pain gradually develops. No one is immune from these injuries, but they are more common at the beginning of the golf season, or when the offending activity is increased in intensity or duration. Golf is one common cause of these symptoms, but many other sport- and work-related activities can induce the same problem. Another common cause of this injury is with weekend carpenters who use hand tools on occasion and professionals who are exposed to repeated vibrations.

Medial epicondylitis is usually a self-limited problem and does not cause any long-term disability. Treatment is rarely surgical, as this condition is well managed with a little rest and proper rehabilitation. If you are told you have Golfers Elbow, the first step is to avoid the offending activity, be it golf or any other activity, until the pain has subsided.

Once the pain has passed, the activity should be gradually resumed (both the intensity and duration should be minimal at first).

Various braces, straps, creams, arm supports, and medications etc have been employed to alleviate pain caused by golfers elbow. Some are too bulky to wear for any length of time; some cause intractable side effects of their own, while others simply do not work. Tenex® Shock Absorber (SA) has been clinically proven to eliminate the damaging vibrations that cause fatigue, muscle stress, joint injuries and golfers elbow.