Conditions
Elbow Tendinopathies
What is tennis and golfer’s elbow?
It’s common for athletes to experience lateral elbow pain, otherwise known as tennis elbow or extensor tendinopathy. Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons within your elbow become exhausted as a result of repetitive wrist and arm movements. Pain from tennis elbow migrates into your wrist and forearm. Because of tennis elbow, you will find it difficult to grip items or shake hands.
Golfer’s elbow is an inflammatory condition that causes pain in the muscles of your elbow and forearm. Golfer’s elbow occurs when you overexert your bones, muscles and tendons as a result of wrist flexion.
What are some of the reasons for tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
Tennis elbow develops as a result of overstressed muscles and tendons in your elbow. Certain types of sport, such as tennis or other racquet sports, increases your risk of tennis elbow. Athletes are not only susceptible to the condition but, painters, carpenters and butchers are also at risk of tennis elbow.
Golfer’s elbow arises when there's damage to tendons and muscles in your wrist as well as your fingers. Improper exercise techniques and inadequate conditioning can lead to golfer’s elbow. Racquet sports, weight lifting, javelin and archery can also cause golfer’s elbow.
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
Signs of tennis elbow include:
- Elbow, wrist and arm pain
- Weak grip
Signs of golfer’s elbow include:
Other than elbow pain, if you have golfer’s elbow, you will experience signs that include:
- Stiffness in your elbow
- Weak hands and wrists
- Pins and needles sensation in your fingers
How is tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow treated?
To treat tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, Dr Botha diagnoses the cause of your elbow pain and recommends treatments that include:
- Medication: NSAIDs and analgesia alleviate pain as a result of golfer’s elbow or tennis elbow.
- Infiltration: She will infiltrate you with Celestone and lignocaine with a special micro-needling technique to stimulate healing.
- Therapy: Your physical therapist will recommend strength training and stretching exercises to reduce discomfort from tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
- Surgery: Involves the removal of a part of the damaged tendon. If there’s no physical improvement after a maximum of 5 infiltrations and if there’s no positive response to conservative treatment, Dr Botha will discuss surgery options with you and your family.
