Expert Insights on Golfer’s Elbow with Dr Bryan Wang, Elbow Specialist in Singapore
Medically reviewed by Dr Bryan Wang ✅
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the inner side of the elbow. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that help with bending of the wrist. Despite its name, it is not limited to golfers and can occur in anyone who performs repetitive wrist flexion activities.
In this article, Dr Bryan Wang, a leading orthopaedic surgeon and elbow specialist, will share with us his expert insights on golfer’s elbow injury such as treating this injury and home pain relief methods. Also, watch our exclusive interview, as Dr Bryan shares his personalised approach to diagnosing and treating golfer's elbow, helping patients recover swiftly and safely.
Most Common Types of Elbow Injuries
The type of elbow injuries I see in my practice cover a very wide spectrum.
In the younger age group, I tend to see elbow injuries related to sports and overuse (ie tendon/ligament injuries) or fractures due to high-energy trauma (ie elbow dislocations or complex fracture-dislocations).
In the older age group, the elbow injuries tend to be related more to degeneration (ie arthritis) or low-energy fractures that are often related to underlying osteoporosis.
Interview with Dr Bryan Wang: Common Elbow Injuries and Causes
Common Causes of Golfer’s Elbow Injury
Common causes include:
Golf: Repeated wrist flexion while gripping and swinging a golf club.
Racquet sports: Sports like tennis (using improper technique), squash, or racquetball.
Throwing sports: Baseball, football, javelin, and other sports that involve throwing motions.
Weightlifting: Lifting weights with improper technique or excessive wrist movements.
Repetitive occupational tasks: Activities like hammering, typing, or painting that involve repetitive forearm and wrist motions.
Interview with Dr Bryan Wang: Approach to Treating Golfer’s Elbow
Home Pain Relief Methods for Golfer’s Elbow Injury
Most cases of golfer’s elbow do very well with conservative measures and seldom require surgery. Here are some pain relief advices that you can do at home should you suffer from Golfer’s Elbow.
1. Rest and Activities Modification: For many elbow injuries, rest is the first line of treatment to prevent further damage and allow healing. Reducing or modifying activities that strain the elbow, such as lifting, gripping, or repetitive motions, is critical. Avoid activities that aggravate the pain to allow tendon to heal. If necessary, take a break from sports or repetitive tasks to allow healing.
2. Ice Therapy: Applying ice or heat can help manage pain and inflammation in the early stages of an elbow injury. Ice packs are most beneficial within the first 48-72 hours after an injury to reduce inflammation. Apply ice to affected elbow area for 15-20 minutes 3 to 4 times a day, particularly after activity, using a barrier (e.g., a cloth) between the ice and skin, to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain.
3. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Perform gentle stretches and strengthening exercises targeting the forearm muscles and tendons can help relieve pain and prevent future injuries. A wrist flexor stretch (extending the arm and pulling back the fingers) and eccentric wrist curls can improve flexibility and strength.
4. Bracing: Wearing an elbow brace (counterforce brace) may help relieve stress on the tendons.
Upcoming in our blog article, Dr Bryan will bring you through the preventive measures he recommends for individuals who frequently engage in activities that may lead to a golfer’s elbow injury.