Are you experiencing pain on the inside of your elbow? Struggling to grip, lift, or twist objects like before? You might be dealing with a condition called Golfer’s Elbow. But don’t worry — healing is possible with the right treatment. Let’s understand what Golfer’s Elbow is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how you can heal and prevent it.

This comprehensive guide is brought to you by Dr. Vishal Sahni, a leading orthopedic doctor and shoulder & elbow specialist in Nagpur, with over 24 years of global experience. Dr. Sahni heads the London Orthopaedic Clinic in Dhantoli, Nagpur, known for advanced orthopedic care and personalized treatment.

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s Elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the inner side of the elbow, where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump of the elbow (medial epicondyle). It’s similar to Tennis Elbow, but occurs on the opposite side of the elbow.

Despite the name, you don’t have to be a golfer to develop Golfer’s Elbow. It can affect anyone who performs repetitive arm, wrist, or hand movements, especially with poor technique.

Causes of Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s Elbow is caused by repetitive stress or overuse of the forearm muscles that allow you to grip, rotate your arm, or flex your wrist.

Common causes include:

Golf and racquet sports (improper swing or grip)
Throwing sports (cricket, javelin, baseball)
Weightlifting
Manual jobs involving repetitive motion (plumbers, carpenters, painters)
Computer usage (excessive typing or mouse usage)
Poor posture and incorrect technique during activities

Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

Pain can develop suddenly or gradually. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Pain and tenderness

On the inner side of the elbow
May radiate into the forearm and wrist

2. Stiffness

Difficulty in moving the elbow
Discomfort during full arm extension

3. Weakness

Weak grip strength
Difficulty in lifting or twisting objects (e.g., opening jars)

4. Numbness or tingling

Often felt in the ring and little fingers

Voice Search Example:

“Why does my inner elbow hurt when I lift something heavy?”

Diagnosis of Golfer’s Elbow

To diagnose Golfer’s Elbow accurately, a specialist like Dr. Vishal Sahni will conduct:

1. Physical Examination

Checking elbow tenderness
Evaluating pain during wrist or finger movement

2. Medical History

Understanding your activity level and work routine

3. Imaging Tests

X-rays to rule out other causes
Ultrasound or MRI for tendon damage or inflammation

Treatment Options for Golfer’s Elbow

Early treatment can prevent chronic pain and long-term damage. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition.

1. Conservative (Non-surgical) Treatment

Rest:

Avoid the activity that triggered the pain.
Modify daily movements to reduce strain.

Ice Packs:

Apply for 15-20 minutes 3-4 times a day to reduce inflammation.

Medications:

NSAIDs like ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling

Physiotherapy:

Customized stretching and strengthening exercises
Helps improve flexibility and rebuild tendon strength

Bracing or Splinting:

Forearm strap or elbow brace to reduce stress on the tendon

PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma):

Advanced regenerative treatment
Speeds up healing naturally using your own blood components

2. Surgical Treatment (Rare Cases)

If pain persists for 6-12 months despite conservative treatment, surgery may be advised.

Golfer’s Elbow Release Surgery:

Removes damaged tendon tissue
Reattaches healthy tendon to the bone

At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni performs minimally invasive elbow surgeries with high success rates and faster recovery.

How You Can Heal Golfer’s Elbow at Home

1. Follow the RICE Rule:

Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation

2. Gentle Stretching:

Wrist flexor stretch
Forearm pronation and supination

3. Strengthening Exercises (under guidance):

Stress ball squeezes
Wrist curls
Eccentric exercises

4. Ergonomic Modifications:

Change your work setup
Use padded tools or keyboard supports

5. Lifestyle Tips:

Warm up before any activity
Avoid overexertion
Use proper technique in sports and exercise

When to See an Orthopedic Doctor?

See a specialist like Dr. Vishal Sahni if:

Pain lasts longer than 1-2 weeks
You’re unable to lift or grip objects
Conservative methods don’t help
You experience numbness or tingling

Why Choose Dr. Vishal Sahni for Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Nagpur?

🎓 24+ years of orthopedic experience in India and the UK
🦴 Specialization in elbow, shoulder and upper limb conditions
Director, London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur
🛠️ Offers advanced options like PRP therapy and minimally invasive elbow surgeries
💬 Personalized consultation and treatment

Where is London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur?

London Orthopaedic Clinic
Ground Floor, Berar House, Mehadia Square, Dhantoli, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440012, India
Call/Whatsapp: +91 95295 52938
Website: https://londonorthopaedicclinicngp.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Golfer’s Elbow

1. Is Golfer’s Elbow serious?

Golfer’s Elbow is not life-threatening, but it can significantly impact your quality of life if left untreated. Over time, the constant strain on the tendon can lead to chronic pain, weakness in the hand and forearm, and reduced ability to perform basic tasks like lifting or gripping objects. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications and disability.

2. How long does Golfer’s Elbow take to heal?

The healing time varies depending on the severity of the condition and how early treatment begins. Mild cases often heal in 6 to 8 weeks with rest, ice, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. Moderate to severe cases may take 3 to 6 months, and chronic or neglected conditions could take up to a year or more. Adherence to your orthopedic specialist’s treatment plan greatly influences the speed of recovery.

3. Can I continue exercising with Golfer’s Elbow?

You should avoid exercises or activities that aggravate the pain — especially those involving repetitive gripping, wrist flexion, or forearm strain. However, light stretching and strengthening exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist can aid healing. Once inflammation subsides, low-impact activities like walking or yoga (avoiding weight on the arms) may be resumed under guidance.

4. Does Golfer’s Elbow go away on its own?

In some cases, Golfer’s Elbow may improve with rest and activity modification. However, if the root cause — like repetitive strain or poor technique — is not addressed, the condition can worsen over time. Medical intervention, such as physiotherapy or PRP therapy, is often needed to ensure complete recovery and prevent recurrence.

5. Is Golfer’s Elbow curable without surgery?

Yes, most cases of Golfer’s Elbow respond well to non-surgical treatment. Conservative approaches such as rest, physiotherapy, medication, bracing, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy are highly effective. Surgery is considered a last resort and is only necessary in persistent, treatment-resistant cases.

6. Is PRP injection safe for Golfer’s Elbow?

Yes, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy is a safe and natural regenerative treatment that uses your own blood components to promote healing. It involves drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting it into the affected area. PRP accelerates tendon repair, reduces inflammation, and has minimal side effects when performed by an experienced orthopedic doctor like Dr. Vishal Sahni.

7. Can office work cause Golfer’s Elbow?

Absolutely. Repetitive motions such as typing, mouse usage, or prolonged wrist flexion while using a keyboard can strain the forearm muscles and lead to medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow). Poor workstation ergonomics and lack of breaks can make the problem worse. Adjusting your work posture and using wrist supports can help reduce risk.

8. Which doctor treats Golfer’s Elbow in Nagpur?

An orthopedic doctor or elbow specialist is the right medical professional for treating Golfer’s Elbow. In Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni, Director of London Orthopaedic Clinic, is a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in elbow and shoulder conditions, offering personalized treatment plans for both conservative and surgical care.

9. Is Golfer’s Elbow common in non-athletes?

Yes, despite the name, Golfer’s Elbow is common among people who have never played golf. It affects laborers, mechanics, painters, typists, and homemakers due to repetitive use of the forearm muscles. It is a work-related or lifestyle-related injury more than a sports-specific issue.

10. How do I know if I have Golfer’s Elbow or Tennis Elbow?

Both are overuse injuries, but the pain location differs:

Golfer’s Elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow (medial side).
Tennis Elbow affects the outside of the elbow (lateral side).
A proper clinical examination by an orthopedic specialist can confirm the diagnosis.

11. What imaging test is best for Golfer’s Elbow?

While X-rays help rule out bone problems, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and ultrasound are better for visualizing tendon damage and soft tissue inflammation. An MRI can help assess the severity of tendon degeneration and is often used in persistent cases.

12. Can physiotherapy completely cure it?

In many cases, yes. Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of treatment for Golfer’s Elbow. Techniques such as ultrasound therapy, friction massage, dry needling, and customized exercise programs can relieve pain, restore tendon health, and prevent recurrence — especially when supervised by a trained therapist.

13. Should I use hot or cold packs?

Cold therapy (ice packs) is beneficial in the initial stages to reduce inflammation and pain. Apply for 15–20 minutes, several times a day. After the acute phase (usually after a few days), heat therapy may help improve blood flow and relax tight muscles. Always consult your doctor before switching between cold and heat therapy.

14. What are some effective home remedies?

Some home remedies include:

Cold compresses for inflammation
Gentle stretches of the wrist and forearm
Anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3-rich foods
Wrist braces for support
These remedies work best as a supplement to your doctor’s treatment plan.

15. Can I do yoga with Golfer’s Elbow?

You can perform modified yoga poses that do not put strain on the elbow. Avoid poses that require bearing body weight on the hands (like plank or downward dog). Gentle stretches, breathing exercises, and poses focused on balance and posture can still be beneficial. Always check with your physiotherapist or orthopedic doctor before starting.

16. Is surgery painful?

Surgery for Golfer’s Elbow, such as tendon debridement or repair, is generally performed under regional or general anesthesia. Post-operative pain is managed with medications, and modern minimally invasive surgical techniques ensure faster recovery and less discomfort. Rehabilitation begins soon after surgery for optimal results.

17. What foods help in healing tendons?

Tendons heal better when your body receives the right nutrients. Helpful foods include:

Lean protein (eggs, chicken, legumes) for tissue repair
Vitamin C (citrus fruits, guava) to support collagen production
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseeds) to reduce inflammation
Zinc and magnesium-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, spinach) for tissue healing
Gelatin or collagen supplements, if advised by your doctor

18. How can I prevent Golfer’s Elbow?

Warm up before sports or manual tasks
Use proper techniques while lifting, exercising, or typing
Avoid overuse and repetitive wrist flexion
Stretch and strengthen your forearm muscles regularly
Take breaks during prolonged tasks
Use ergonomic tools and wrist support

19. Is Golfer’s Elbow a form of arthritis?

No. Golfer’s Elbow is not arthritis. It’s a tendinopathy — a condition affecting the tendons where they attach to the bone. Arthritis involves joint inflammation and cartilage degeneration, whereas Golfer’s Elbow is an overuse injury of the tendons on the inside of the elbow.

20. What is the best brace for Golfer’s Elbow?

The most commonly recommended brace is a counterforce brace or forearm strap. It wraps around the upper forearm just below the elbow, reducing strain on the affected tendon during movement. Some patients may also benefit from an elbow sleeve that provides compression and warmth. Always use braces under your orthopedic doctor’s guidance for best results.

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