golfer

Golferarm: description

In general, epicondylitis is a pain syndrome on the outside or inside of the elbow. Triggers are painful changes in certain tendon approaches. If the inside of the elbow is affected, it is called the so-called Golfer arm or golfer elbow (Epicondylitis humeri ulnaris, also epicondylitis humeri medialis). The pain syndrome on the outside of the elbow, however, is called tennis elbow or tennis elbow.

The golfer’s elbow, despite its name, is rarely caused by playing golf. Rather, he often appears in throwing athletes. That’s why he’s sometimes called the bowler’s bow. Workers, gymnasts and people who often practice free weights are also more frequently affected.

Most often, the golfer’s arm occurs in people in the fourth decade of life. Overall, he is much rarer than the tennis elbow.

Golferarm: Symptoms

The typical golfer arm symptoms are pain on the inside of the elbow, especially when flexing the wrist. In addition, the sites above the neck of the affected tendons are tender.

Most sufferers also feel a weakness in the wrist. Strong access is therefore hardly possible.

Golferarm: causes and risk factors

As with the tennis elbow, the cause of the golfer’s arm is overstressing the tendon insertion of certain muscles in the area of ​​the elbow. This is the approach of the common tendon of the hand and finger flexor. In the tennis elbow, on the other hand, the tendon attachment of the hand and finger extensors is affected.

The overload, which leads to the Golferarm, can happen during sports, for example, by frequent throwing movements or just by playing a lot of golf (especially in case of wrong stroke technique). But especially often craftsmen are affected, who repeatedly have to perform monotonous movements with the elbow (painting, hammering, etc.). For the same reason, for example, computer work, playing a musical instrument and certain household work (such as ironing) can cause a golfer’s elbow.

Golferarm: examinations and diagnosis

If you have signs of a golf arm, you should consult a GP or orthopedic specialist.

Doctor-patient conversation

The doctor will first discuss your with you To raise medical history (Anamnese). He asks, for example:

• Where exactly are you in pain? Does the pain in the lower or upper arm radiate?
• Do the pain occur at rest or only during movements (such as when the fist is closed)?
• Does the arm or hand feel powerless due to the pain?
• Have you injured your arm recently, or a long time ago, by falling?
• Have you ever had discomfort on your arm for no apparent reason?
• Which job do you have? Do you do any sport?

Physical examination and tests

After the anamnesis interview, a physical examination follows. The doctor examines the painful arm, checks its mobility and scans it. In a golfer’s arm, typically, pressure pains above the tendon insertion of the hand and finger flexors on the inside of the elbow are noticeable.

Various tests help the doctor to clarify pain on the elbow and to distinguish the golfer arm and tennis elbow from each other. For example, the patient must extend the arm with the palm down and then push down the hand against resistance. In a golf arm, it causes pain.

Further investigations

The anamnesis interview, the physical examination and the tests are usually sufficient to make the diagnosis Golferarm. Further examinations are generally carried out by the doctor only if he suspects another cause of the condition. For example, painful wear (arthrosis) in the elbow joint can be detected on an x-ray.

Golfferam: treatment

Since golfer’s arm and tennis elbow have comparable causes and complaints, they are treated very similarly: Patients should first of all be affected Spare your arm, Above all, this includes avoiding those activities that caused the overload. For acute pain usually helps Cool, For longer (chronic) pain is generally warmth soothing.

If necessary, too Painkiller applied, for example externally applied pain gels. In more severe cases, patients often take painkillers in tablet form. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesics such as diclofenac are used.

In case of severe discomfort, wearing a Golfer bandage be useful. It is available in sports shops or in the medical supply store. The Golferarm bandage is designed to relieve the muscles.

In addition, you can the Tap Golferarm, The so-called Kineosiotapes can alleviate the symptoms in many cases. A physiotherapist can attach them properly.

Some doctors treat the golfer’s arm (like the tennis elbow) splashthat contain anti-inflammatory cortisone or a local anesthetic. Often, other treatments are offered such as shock wave therapy, massages or acupuncture. Their effectiveness in Golferarm is usually not scientifically proven.

As soon as the acute symptoms subside, patients with golfer’s arm can Stretching exercises and strengthening exercises carry out. Consistently done, these can accelerate the healing process. It is best to have a doctor or physiotherapist perform suitable exercises.

The last therapy option is one surgery However, this is only in severe cases of golfer poor in question, if other treatments could not improve the symptoms even after months or years. In the procedure, the tissue is relieved by removing a few millimeters of tendon origin. In most cases, the patient is free of symptoms after the healing phase.

Golferarm: course and prognosis

The prognosis for the golfer’s arm is usually good. Most of the symptoms disappear after a few months, even without major treatment alone. Some patients are pain free after only a few weeks. Overall, in about 80 percent of patients with golfer Complaints resolve completely within a year.