Golfer arm
and Martina Feichter, medical editor and biologistDr. med. Mira Seidel is a freelance writer for the medical team.
More about the expertsMartina Feichter studied biology with an elective subject pharmacy in Innsbruck and also immersed herself in the world of medicinal plants. From there it was not far to other medical topics that still captivate her to this day. She trained as a journalist at the Axel Springer Academy in Hamburg and has been working for since 2007 - first as an editor and since 2012 as a freelance writer.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.
The term golfer's arm (epicondylitis humeri ulnaris, epicondylitis humeri medialis) describes a painful change in the tendon attachment of certain muscles in the area of the elbow.The cause is usually an overload of the tendons at work or during sports. A typical sign of a golfer's arm (golfer's elbow) is severe pressure pain on the protruding bone on the inside of the elbow. Read everything you need to know about the causes, symptoms, treatment and prognosis of the golfer's arm here!
Golfer Arm: Description
In general, epicondylitis is a pain syndrome on the outside or inside of the elbow. It is triggered by painful changes in certain tendon attachments. If the inside of the elbow is affected, one speaks of the so-called golfer's arm or golfer's elbow (epicondylitis humeri ulnaris, also epicondylitis humeri medialis). The pain syndrome on the outside of the elbow, on the other hand, is called tennis elbow or tennis elbow.
Despite its name, the golfer's elbow is rarely caused by playing golf. Rather, it often occurs in throwers. This is why it is sometimes called the thrower's elbow. Craftsmen, gymnasts and people who often train with free weights are also more frequently affected.
The most common golfer arm occurs in people in their fourth decade of life. Overall, however, it is significantly rarer than the tennis elbow.
Golfer Arm: Symptoms
The typical golfer arm symptoms are pain on the inside of the elbow, especially when flexing the wrist. In addition, the area above the insertion of the affected tendons is tender on pressure.
Most of those affected also feel a feeling of weakness in the wrist. This means that it is hardly possible to access it with sufficient force.
Golfer Arm: Causes and Risk Factors
As with tennis elbow, the cause of golfer's arm is an overload of the tendon attachment of certain muscles in the area of the elbow. This is the insertion of the common end tendon of the hand and finger flexors. In tennis elbow, on the other hand, the tendons of the hand and finger extensors are affected.
The overload that leads to the golfer's arm can happen during sport, for example through frequent throwing movements or through a lot of golf (especially with the wrong shot technique). However, craftsmen are particularly often affected who have to repeatedly perform monotonous movements with their elbows (painting, hammering, etc.). For the same reason, computer work, playing a musical instrument, and certain household chores (such as ironing) can all cause a golfer's elbow.
Golfer arm: examinations and diagnosis
If you have any signs of a golf arm, you should see a general practitioner or an orthopedic specialist.
Doctor-patient conversation
The doctor will first collect your medical history (anamnesis) in conversation with you. For example, he asks:
- Where exactly are you in pain? Does the pain radiate into the forearm or upper arm?
- Does the pain occur at rest or only when moving (e.g. when closing your fist)?
- Does the arm or hand feel powerless because of the pain?
- Have you recently or a long time ago injured your arm, for example from a fall?
- Have you ever had problems with your arm for no apparent reason?
- Which job do you have? Do you play any sport?
Physical exam and tests
The anamnesis will be followed by a physical examination. The doctor examines the aching arm, checks its mobility and palpates it. In a golfer's arm, pressure pain is typically noticeable over the tendon attachment of the hand and finger flexors on the inside of the elbow.
Various tests help the doctor to clarify pain in the elbow and to differentiate between golfers' arms and tennis elbows. For example, the patient has to extend the arm with the palm down and then push the hand down against resistance. In a golf arm, this causes pain.
Further investigations
The medical history interview, physical exam, and tests are usually sufficient to establish the diagnosis of a golfer arm. The doctor generally only carries out further examinations if he suspects another cause of the symptoms. For example, painful wear and tear (osteoarthritis) in the elbow joint can be seen on an X-ray.
Golferam: treatment
Since golfers' arms and tennis elbows have similar causes and symptoms, they are treated very similarly: Patients should first protect the affected arm. Above all, this includes avoiding the activities that caused the overload. Cooling usually helps against acute pain. In the case of long-standing (chronic) pain, warmth is generally more beneficial.
If necessary, painkillers are also used, for example topically applied pain gels. In more severe cases, patients often take pain relievers in tablet form. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain relievers such as diclofenac are used.
Wearing a golfer arm bandage can be useful if the symptoms are pronounced. It is available in sports shops or in medical supply stores. The golfer arm bandage is supposed to relieve the muscles.
You can also tape the golfer's arm. The so-called Kineosiotapes can alleviate the symptoms in many cases. A physical therapist can apply them properly.
Some doctors treat golfers' arms (like tennis elbows) with injections that contain anti-inflammatory cortisone or a local anesthetic. Other treatments are often offered, such as shock wave therapy, massages or acupuncture. However, their effectiveness on golfers' arms has mostly not been scientifically proven.
As soon as the acute symptoms subside, patients with golfers' arms can do stretching and strengthening exercises. If done consistently, these can accelerate the healing process. It is best to have a doctor or physical therapist show you the appropriate exercises.
The last treatment option is an operation. However, this is only possible in severe cases of a golfer's arm, if other treatments have not improved the symptoms even after months or years. During the procedure, the tissue is relieved by removing a few millimeters of the tendon's origin. In most cases the patient is symptom-free again after the healing phase.
Golfer arm: course and prognosis
The prognosis for golfers' arms is usually good. The symptoms usually go away on their own after a few months, even without major treatment. Some patients are pain-free again after just a few weeks. Overall, the following applies: In around 80 percent of patients with a golfer's arm, the symptoms subside completely within a year.
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