About this topic
The elbow is where your upper arm bone meets the two lower bones in your arm. There is a bump on the inside of your elbow at the bottom of your upper arm bone. It is the medial epicondyle. A few tendons attach here. Tendons attach muscles to bone. These muscles are used to curl your wrist and fingers down. ‚
When these tendons get sore, swollen, and torn from overuse you have medial epicondylitis. It is also called golfers elbow. This is a common problem in golf players. It may also happen with other activities or sports. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Using the muscles in your lower arm too much. This could be from doing the same action over and over like using a hammer, shovel, or golf club.
- Injury or a direct hit to the tendon
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Playing sports and using poor techniques
- Doing things that use repeated hand movements like painting, raking, chopping wood, hammering, or shoveling
- Being male and aged 20 to 49
- Being an older adult
- Having muscle tightness or lack of strength
What are the main signs?
- Pain and soreness at the inside of the elbow
- May extend down the palm side of your forearm
- Worse with movements like swinging a golf club, shaking hands, or turning a doorknob
- Weakness in the hands or wrist
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will feel all over your elbow, lower arm, and wrist. Your doctor may have you put your arm in many positions. The doctor may push and pull on your wrist and elbow to check motion and strength. The doctor may order: ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Keeping the elbow raised
- Brace or strap around the elbow to lessen the stress on the tendon
- Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse.
- Exercises
- Physical therapy (PT) ¢ ˆ ’ may include ultrasound, massage, and exercises
- Surgery is only needed when there is very bad damage to the tendon or if no other treatment works after 6 to 12 months.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
The doctor may give you a shot of an anti-inflammatory drug called a corticosteroid. This will help with swelling. Talk with your doctor about the risks of this shot. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Long-term elbow pain
- Injury returns
- Weak and tight muscles
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you exercise. Use good training methods and form for sports. Have an expert look at your technique.
- When working out with weights, try to keep your elbow slightly bent instead of straightened all the way. Avoid lifting objects when your elbow is fully straightened.
- Take breaks often when doing things that use repeat movements.
- Take extra care when playing sports. Ask an expert for help when choosing equipment.
- Use a hammer with extra padding. Use two hands when using heavy tools.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00137 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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