Distinguishing Golf Elbow From Tennis Elbow
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A Golf elbow and a tennis elbow are actually very similar to each other. Golf elbow is also otherwise known as medical epicondylitis while a tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis. Both conditions actually arise from the same causes which is basically overuse of the tendons in the forearm area. The forearm has different muscles that make movement in the fingers and thumb possible. The tendons that are connected to these muscles converge together at the elbow joint. In some cases, the spot where these tendons come together are inflamed and may cause pain and discomfort to the patient. Both golf elbow and tennis elbow are forms of tendinopathies. The main difference between the two tendinopathies is the location of the injury and which tendon is affected. Golf elbow pertains to an injury of the inner elbow tendon while the tennis elbow is the injury to the outer tendon of the elbow.
Both tendinopathies exhibit somewhat similar manifestations like pain in the area specifically the elbow that radiates to the other areas of the arm. The pain usually is felt gradually but sometimes, it can be suddenly felt and can be very sharp in characteristic. For the treatment, it usually depends on the specific cause. Usually, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin will be given to help alleviate the pain. Hot or cold therapy can also be prescribed. An elbow brace can also be used to reduce strain and restrict further unnecessary movement. Physical therapy can also be prescribed. Rehabilitation will be very helpful to recover from the injury and regain muscle strength and upper extremity ranges of motion.
There are different exercises that will be able to help the strength of an arm with golf elbow. The patient must stand parallel to the wall with the affected arm adjacent to it. Place the palm flat on the wall with the fingertips pointing down. Make sure that the elbows are straight. Pressure should be slowly applied for 30 seconds. This exercise can be done everyday, three times daily. Some flexibility exercises can also be done to further improve the ability of the elbow to regain resistance and strength. Most people actually have positive responses when it comes to the treatment program. Surgery is usually not advised unless all the measures have been tried and the patient’s condition still has not improved for at least six months. Some people even try unconventional treatments like acupuncture, shock wave therapy and the use of nitroglycerine patches to help remedy the condition.
Prevention is always the key when it comes to Golf elbow and Tennis elbow. One should avoid lifting very heavy objects specially when the arm is fully extended. If your work requires you to use your hands and wrists frequently, always remember to rest between periods of intense activities. When playing tennis, it is advisable to use two-handed backhand. In playing golf, one must always put some grip tape on the golf clubs that will be used. Golf elbow can be prevented and people shouldn’t wait for them to get this condition.
Both tendinopathies exhibit somewhat similar manifestations like pain in the area specifically the elbow that radiates to the other areas of the arm. The pain usually is felt gradually but sometimes, it can be suddenly felt and can be very sharp in characteristic. For the treatment, it usually depends on the specific cause. Usually, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin will be given to help alleviate the pain. Hot or cold therapy can also be prescribed. An elbow brace can also be used to reduce strain and restrict further unnecessary movement. Physical therapy can also be prescribed. Rehabilitation will be very helpful to recover from the injury and regain muscle strength and upper extremity ranges of motion.
There are different exercises that will be able to help the strength of an arm with golf elbow. The patient must stand parallel to the wall with the affected arm adjacent to it. Place the palm flat on the wall with the fingertips pointing down. Make sure that the elbows are straight. Pressure should be slowly applied for 30 seconds. This exercise can be done everyday, three times daily. Some flexibility exercises can also be done to further improve the ability of the elbow to regain resistance and strength. Most people actually have positive responses when it comes to the treatment program. Surgery is usually not advised unless all the measures have been tried and the patient’s condition still has not improved for at least six months. Some people even try unconventional treatments like acupuncture, shock wave therapy and the use of nitroglycerine patches to help remedy the condition.
Prevention is always the key when it comes to Golf elbow and Tennis elbow. One should avoid lifting very heavy objects specially when the arm is fully extended. If your work requires you to use your hands and wrists frequently, always remember to rest between periods of intense activities. When playing tennis, it is advisable to use two-handed backhand. In playing golf, one must always put some grip tape on the golf clubs that will be used. Golf elbow can be prevented and people shouldn’t wait for them to get this condition.