GOLFER’S ELBOW (Medial epicondylitis)

This is a condition where the inflammation is at the origin of the flexor tendons at the medial epicondyle of the humerus.

Causes

The damage is typically related to excess or repeated stress — especially forceful wrist and finger motions. Improper lifting, throwing or hitting, as well as too little warm up or poor conditioning, also can contribute to golfer’s elbow.

• Racket sports. Improper technique with tennis strokes, especially the backhand, can cause injury to the tendon.
• Throwing sports. Improper pitching technique in baseball or softball can be another culprit. Football, archery and javelin throwing also can cause golfer’s elbow.
• Weight training. Lifting weights using improper technique, such as curling the wrists during a biceps exercise, can overload the elbow muscles and tendons.
• Forceful, repetitive occupational movements. These occur in fields such as construction, plumbing and carpentry

• Obese
• Smoking
• Repetitive computer mouse use
• Holding the children
• Trauma

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness. Usually felt on the inner side of your elbow, the pain sometimes extends along the inner side of your forearm. Pain typically worsens with certain movements.
• Stiffness. Your elbow may feel stiff, and making a fist might hurt.
• Weakness. You may have weakness in your hands and wrists.
• Numbness or tingling. These sensations might radiate into one or more fingers — usually the ring and little fingers

Prevention

• Strengthen your forearm muscles.Use light weights or squeeze a tennis ball. Even simple exercises can help your muscles absorb the energy of sudden physical stress.
• Stretch before your activity.Walk or jog for a few minutes to warm up your muscles. Then do gentle stretches before you begin your game.
• Fix your form.Whatever your sport, ask an instructor to check your form to avoid overload on muscles.
• Use the right equipment.If you’re using older golfing irons, consider upgrading to lighter graphite clubs. If you play tennis, make sure your racket fits you. A racket with a small grip or a heavy head may increase the risk of elbow problems.
• Lift properly.When lifting anything — including free weights — keep your wrist rigid and stable to reduce the force to your elbow.
• Know when to rest.Try not to overuse your elbow. At the first sign of elbow pain, take a break.

Treatment

Homoeopathy medicine