Golfer's Elbow Aka Meidal Epicondylitis

Meidal epicondylitis, or more commonly referred to as golfer's elbow, is actually a similar injury to tennis elbow only it affects the inside area of the elbow. Golfer's elbow is commonly experienced by those who 'throw' and with golfers hence the nickname. Sometimes golfer's elbow is also referred to as flexor pronator tendinopathy; this elbow pain is seen in tennis players who use a lot of top spin on their forehand shots.

Overuse injuries of the elbow are especially common among athletes. Any sport that subjects an athlete to repetitive elbow flexion-extension or wrist motion can cause these syndromes. This is a condition that can occur at any age; interestingly it is commonly seen in patients between 40 and 60 years of age.

Causes Of Meidal Epicondylitis

The common name of golfer's elbow suggests a cause; however you do not have to play golf to develop meidal epicondylitis. In fact, golfer's elbow is more commonly seen in people who do not play golf. Activities involving repetitive wrist flexion against resistance, forceful, or repetitive gripping of the hand is typically how this develops.

These activities may include manual labour as well as sports.
Some activities include:

• Body building or weight lifting
• Wood working or carpentry
• Hammering
• Painting
• Bricklaying
• Repetitive use of a screwdriver
• Sewing
• Knitting
• Working at a computer
• Golf
• Tennis
• Badminton
• Gymnastics
• Water skiing
• Squash

Patients usually develop this condition following a sudden increase in activities that place stress on the forearm flexors or due to a change in activities. Less frequently, this condition can develop suddenly. This is usually due to a forceful movement that involves a gripping force through the arm or heavy lifting.

There is an increased likelihood of getting meidal epicondylitis if the patient has a history of shoulder, elbow, wrist or neck injury.

Symptoms Of Meidal Epicondylitis

As a rule, golfer's elbow symptoms usually develop gradually over a period of time. Initially, symptoms may be a mild ache that follows an aggravating or unaccustomed activity. This ache may also be felt first thing in the morning following an activity. Patients with meidal epicondylitis usually experience localized elbow pain about 1 to 2 cm down from the bony lump on the inner aspect of the elbow. This pain tends to increase when firmly touching this area. Occasionally, the pain may shoot into the forearm.

In less severe cases patients may only experience a minor ache. In more severe cases, the pain can be quite excruciating and can prevent the patient from sleeping at night. Usually pain is experienced as an ache that increases to a sharper pain as activity level increases. Occasionally, golfer's elbow can be associated with shoulder, upper back or neck pain on the same side

Patients with golfer's elbow often experience an increase of pain during everyday activities including simple tasks such as picking up a cup, turning a handle, opening a jar, shaking hands, carrying groceries or even turning the steering wheel of a car. Elbow stiffness is generally worse first thing in the morning.

Meidal Epicondylitis Treatment

Most cases of meidal epicondylitis are treated with appropriate physiotherapy. This includes a thorough assessment by the physiotherapist to determine exactly what factors have contributed to the development of this problem so that prevention is taken into account.

Our Richmond Hill Chiropractic, Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy centre can help diagnose and treat meidal epicondylitis. Physiotherapy focuses on evaluating, restoring, and maintaining physical function – this is why so many people choose Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill.

The Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has the necessary knowledge and expertise to start you on the road to recovery today. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you back up and running into your routines in as little time as possible!