Medial Epicondylitis

Medial epicondylitis is also known as golfer elbow, baseball elbow, suitcase elbow, or forehand tennis elbow. It causes pain from the elbow to the wrist on the inside (medial side) of the elbow. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm. A tendon is a tough cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones.

Medial epicondylitis is caused when excessive force is used to bend the wrist toward the palm. This can happen when swinging a golf club or pitching a baseball. Other possible causes of medial epicondylitis include:

• Serving with great force in tennis or using a spin serve.

• Weak shoulder and wrist muscles.

• Using a tennis racket that is too tightly strung or too short.

• Throwing a javelin.

• Carrying a heavy suitcase.

• Chopping wood with an ax.

• Using a chainsaw.

• Frequent use of other hand tools on a continuous basis.

The most common symptom of medial epicondylitis is pain along the palm side of the forearm, from the elbow to the wrist, on the same side as the little finger. The pain can be felt when bending the wrist toward the palm against resistance or when squeezing a rubber ball.

The symptoms of medial epicondylitis may look like other health problems or conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

The diagnosis of medial epicondylitis often can be made based on a physical exam. Your healthcare provider may rest your arm on a table, palm side up, and ask you to raise your hand by bending your wrist against resistance. If you have medial epicondylitis, pain often is felt in the inner aspect of the elbow.

Treatment for medial epicondylitis includes stopping the activity that produces the symptoms. It is important to stop doing the movement that caused the condition in the first place. Treatment may include:

• Ice packs to reduce inflammation.

• Strengthening exercises.

• Anti-inflammatory medicine.

• Bracing.

• Physical therapy.

• Corticosteroid injections.

• Surgery (rare).

What's the Difference?

Golfer's elbow and tennis elbow are both forms of tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendons. However, they involve different parts of the elbow. Golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow, while tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow.

Golfer's elbow is often caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and forearm, such as those involved in golfing. Tennis elbow is often caused by repetitive motions of the arm and wrist, such as those involved in tennis.

Golfer's elbow and tennis elbow share many of the same symptoms, including pain and tenderness in the elbow, weakness in the forearm, and a loss of range of motion in the elbow.

Being aware of your daily movements can help prevent this condition. Some suggestions include:

• Using correct form when doing repetitive activities such as work or sports movements.

• Keeping shoulders, forearms and wrist muscles strong.

• Gently stretching forearm muscles before and after repetitive tasks.

• Using correct body mechanics when lifting or moving objects.

If you don’t give your elbow time to heal, symptoms may return or get worse. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on resting and treating your elbow.

Several exercises and stretches can help to relieve the pain of a golfer's elbow.

Wrist Curl

One exercise that can be helpful is called the wrist curl. To do this exercise, sit with your forearm resting on your thigh and your hand hanging over the edge. Use a lightweight object, such as a can of soup, and slowly curl your hand up, then release it back down. Repeat this 10 times.

Reverse Wrist Curl

Another exercise that can help is called the reverse wrist curl. To do this exercise, sit with your forearm resting on your thigh and your hand hanging over the edge. Use a lightweight, such as a can of soup, and slowly curl your hand down, then release it back up. Repeat this 10 times.

Wrist Stretch

To do the wrist stretch, hold your arm out in front of you with your palm facing down. Use your other hand to gently pull your fingers back until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, then release. Repeat this stretch 2-3 times.

Elbow Stretch

To do the elbow stretch, hold your arm out in front of you with your palm up. Use your other hand to gently pull your hand back until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, then release. Repeat this 2-3 times.

If you are experiencing pain or tenderness in your elbow, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious conditions. However, these exercises and stretches can help to relieve the pain of a golfer's elbow.