Golfer’s Elbow

Dear Ask The Doctor: The the past two days my right elbow has been sore, it is red and a little warm to the touch. I don't remember doing anything specific to injure it but always often in a hurry and could have . I am right handed though so that arm gets lots of use. How long can I treat myself with anti-inflamitory meds and cold pack

Dear Cory: The repetitive use of the elbow muscles in the daily living activities or sports can produce microtears in the tendons, inflammation and pain and is called:  Medial Epicondylitis or Golfer’s elbow. In United States is one of the most common causes of elbow pain.

The conservative treatment for the Golfer’s Elbow is as follows: anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofen), physical therapy with flexibility and strengthening exercises, wrist splints if needed, and for patients that do not show significant improvement the corticosteroid injection may be consider. You should be educated about the condition's contributing factors and activity modification, avoid elbow flexion and leaning on the elbow, wrist flexion or any other painful movement. In addition, in the immediate term, the patient should place ice packs on the medial epicondyle for 10-15 minutes 3-4 times per day to decrease the pain and inflammation that occurs early in medial epicondylitis. It is very important seek a physical therapist to show you the exercise routine of stretching and range of motion, using ice packs before and after therapy.