Dealing With Golfer’s Elbow

Dr. Lee Bloom knows what it’s like to have golfer’s elbow.

“It can be very frustrating, and the treatment is equally so,” says the Middlesex Health orthopedic surgeon.  

An avid golfer, Dr. Bloom knows all too well how golfer’s elbow can affect your golf game. Golfer’s elbow causes pain where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bump on the inside of your elbow. Ultimately, that pain may spread, impacting your forearm and wrist. As a result, it becomes difficult to swing your golf club. 

When you have golfer’s elbow, you may also feel stiffness in your elbow, weakness in your hands and wrists and numbness or tingling in your fingers.  

And it’s not just golfers that suffer from golfer’s elbow. This common condition is often considered an overuse injury that is related to excess or repeated stress on the body, and it often affects those who repeatedly use their wrists or clench their fingers. This includes golfers, but also those who do things like lift or throw or who perform repetitive movement throughout their work day.  

While not considered a serious injury, as Dr. Bloom says, golfer’s elbow can be painful and frustrating. Fortunately, treatment often includes rest, home exercises with a TheraBand (resistance band), anti-inflammatory medication and time. 

If you rest, take anti-inflammatory medication and don’t see improvement in your symptoms, it may be time to see a medical provider. You should also seek medical care if you:

• Have a fever and your elbow feels hot or is inflamed
• Can’t bend your elbow, or it looks deformed
• Think you may have broken a bone 

Are you at higher risk?

You may be at higher risk of developing golfer’s elbow if you: 

• Are 40 or older
• Take part in repetitive activities like golf at least two hours a day
• Are obese
• Smoke 

How can you prevent golfer’s elbow?

• Stretch before you do any physical activity, including playing golf.
• Work on your swing to ensure proper technique.
• Grab some weights and strengthen your muscles! (Be careful! Make sure you lift weights properly.)
• Listen to your body. If your elbow hurts, rest. 

About Middlesex Health

Dr. Bloom is part of a robust team of orthopedic surgeons at Middlesex Health. They represent three private orthopedic practices, which have offices in Middlesex County and along the Connecticut shoreline. They treat a variety of orthopedic conditions — everything from golfer’s elbow to knee and back pain, and they use the latest technology to ensure the best possible outcomes. 

For more information about orthopedic services at Middlesex Health, click here.

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