Golfer's Elbow

How does golfer’s elbow develop?

Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) is a type of tendinitis, which is tendon damage and inflammation, that can develop in the tendons connecting your forearm to your elbow. Tendinitis often develops because of overuse, which in this case may be repeatedly swinging a golf club or using similar arm motions. 

When you repeat elbow movements, the tendons around your elbow can develop small tears that cause inflammation and pain. This pain can become chronic if you don’t treat your golfer’s elbow and may limit your movement. 

You can expect to need to rest your elbow for some time to allow your tendinitis to heal. However, interventional pain procedures may improve your pain and other symptoms. 

What are the symptoms of golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow can cause pain in multiple parts of your arm, including your elbow and forearm. This pain is often worse in the morning when you first wake up. Other common golfer’s elbow symptoms include:

• Reduced grip strength
• Hand numbness or tingling
• Increased pain when you make a fist
• Radiating pain up and down your arm

Most people who get golfer’s elbow develop it in their dominant arm, which they use more often. If you’re right-handed, you’re more likely to develop golfer’s elbow in your right arm than in your left. 

Which procedures can treat golfer’s elbow?

Golfer's elbow can improve with rest and physical therapy. When symptoms persist, interventional procedures may help support recovery.

If conservative care has not relieved your symptoms, Dr. Foremny may recommend ultrasound-guided procedures. After evaluating your elbow and confirming a golfer's elbow diagnosis, he'll determine which option is right for you.

The following procedures can treat golfer’s elbow at IVO Miami:

Percutaneous tenotomy

Percutaneous tenotomy is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that removes damaged tissue from targeted tendons to support healing. Dr. Foremny received subspecialized training with the Tenex percutaneous tenotomy device during his fellowship.

Orthobiologics

Orthobiologics such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contain concentrated growth factors that can help support the healing process. In PRP, these growth factors come from your own blood, concentrated from a small sample to deliver them directly to the injured area.

Corticosteroid injections

Image-guided steroid injections deliver corticosteroids to the area around the affected tendon, rather than into the tendon itself. By reducing inflammation in the surrounding tissue, they can help relieve pain and ease symptoms in the short term. Because corticosteroids can weaken tendon tissue and lead to further tendon tearing, Dr. Foremny uses them selectively and can discuss whether they're appropriate for you during your consultation.

Call IVO Miami and schedule an appointment to learn more about golfer’s elbow treatments.