HC Chang Orthopaedic Surgery | Singapore

Golfer’s elbow refers to pain on the inner aspect (medial epicondyle) of the elbow. It is different from tennis’s elbow where the pain in on the outer aspect (lateral epicondyle) of the elbow.

The pain is situated at the bony bump on the inner aspect of the elbow where the flexor tendons of the forearm attaches.

It is also called “medial epicondylitis“.

The pain can be brought about by the following activities:

• swing a golf club
• swing a racket forward
• turning a door knob
• bending the wrist
• squeezing a ball
• weight training

It can happen to anyone who uses the wrist or fingers repetitively. One need not be a golfer to have this condition.

Treatment

It includes:

• Resting the elbow by avoiding repetitive flexion movements to the wrist and fingers.
• Icing the elbow.
• Use of oral anti-inflammatory medications.
• Cortisone injection to the painful area.
• Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections.
• Physiotherapy.
• Use of counterforce brace.
• Use of extra corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT).
• Surgery.

Surgery for Golfer’s Elbow

Surgery is considered only when conservative treatments have failed.

In these recalcitrant cases, surgery can provide long lasting pain relief.

It involves an incision over the painful inner aspect of the elbow. The injured tendon is removed leaving normal tendon.

For more information on golfer’s elbow and the treatment, please contact us at +65-683 666 36 or email hcchang@ortho.com.sg