Golf elbow, also known as humeral (gōng) medial epicondylitis (kē), is mainly due to cumulative injury from repetitive strain on the medial epicondyle of the humerus at the beginning of the forearm flexors, similar to the pathogenesis of tennis elbow (humeral epicondylitis) (refer to the article “Tennis elbow”), and is commonly known as golfers, students, and miners’ elbow. Golf elbow, student’s elbow, miner’s elbow. Tian Hongtao, Department of Orthopedics, Wuhan Union Medical College Hospital
High-incidence population.
People with a history of elbow injury, badminton players, softball players, athletes in track and field throwing events, and other people engaged in sports are all at high risk. Middle-aged and elderly people can also be caused by strain.
Clinical manifestations.
Restricted pain in the medial aspect of the elbow joint, especially when the forearm is rotated forward and the wrist is actively flexed; the pain may radiate downward along the ulnar flexor muscle; there is obvious pressure pain at the medial epicondyle of the humerus; weakness in wrist flexion and difficulty in lifting heavy objects; normal elbow movement.
Treatment.
Golf elbow is a self-limiting disease, generally conservative treatment can be effective; very few patients with severe symptoms, conservative treatment is ineffective, can be treated surgically.
Once you find yourself with similar symptoms, seek medical attention in time to avoid aggravation; follow medical advice for treatment.
Recovery exercise: straighten the right hand, palm facing forward, use the left hand to pull the right hand backward, press until the hand feels sore, then switch to the other hand.
Exercises for the wrist rotator anterior flexors can be done by changing the wrist extensors to palm facing up.
Heat packs can be used to help relieve the pain. If this does not work, oral NSAIDs (diclofenac, etc.) or painful spot block injections can be considered.
For recurrent pain that does not heal, subcutaneous neurovascular tract excision and release of the attachment point of the extensor digitorum communis tendon can be chosen according to the specific situation.
Prevention.
Do some warm-up exercises and stretching exercises before exercise to ensure flexibility and elasticity of muscle activities to reduce the chance of sprain.
Avoid prolonged and repetitive use of the forearm or wrist, such as trying to arrange a short break or alternate between different types of work, so that the forearm or wrist gets proper rest.
Change bad posture and avoid excessive force when carrying heavy objects, which can injure tendons.
Get enough sleep and rest to reduce the chance of strain injury.
(Image from the Internet)
Author: Hongtao Tian, Wuhan Union Orthopaedic Hospital
Title: Associate Professor, Associate Chief Physician
Specialties: artificial joint replacement Joint diseases: femoral head necrosis, knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, joint infections, bone and joint deformities.
Clinic hours: all day every week on 1, 3 and 6.
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