Golf elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that commonly affects individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive wrist and arm motions, such as playing golf or tennis. This injury can also occur in baseball players and is sometimes referred to as “thrower’s elbow” or “little league elbow.” The inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow is the primary cause of golf elbow, leading to pain and discomfort.
What are the distinctive symptoms of overused arm?
Overusing an arm in activities like golf or other sports can lead to the development of distinct symptoms. One of the main symptoms is experiencing pain that starts from the elbow bone and travels up into the forearm. This pain primarily affects the inside of the arm and tends to worsen when making a fist. In addition to the pain, individuals may also experience stiffness in the elbow. Many people with this condition also report a tingling sensation in their fingers and arm. As the wrist weakens, it becomes more difficult to grip objects. Simple movements like rotating or bending the wrist can trigger pain. Interestingly, it is not uncommon for right-handed individuals to develop this problem in their left hand. This injury is most commonly seen in people in their mid-30s to 40s.
What are the common causes?
The common causes of this injury are not related to the skill level or technique of playing golf, but rather to the repetitive twisting or bending of the wrist. This type of injury frequently occurs in golfers due to the movements involved in manipulating the golf club. However, it can also affect individuals engaged in throwing sports like basketball. Additionally, even the repetitive wrist and finger movements involved in typing on a computer keyboard can lead to a similar injury.