Both golf and tennis are more than just sports for many; they are a way of life. But as with many athletic endeavors, they come with their own set of specific injuries. Two such conditions, golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) and tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), can challenge enthusiasts of these sports. Here, we delve into their signs, symptoms, and the comprehensive treatments available.
Identifying the Conditions
1. Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Signs and Symptoms:
Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, potentially extending along the inner side of the forearm.
Stiffness in the elbow.
Weakness in hands or wrists.
Numbness or tingling radiating into one or more fingers, usually the ring and little fingers.
2. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Signs and Symptoms:
Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow.
Morning stiffness with persistent aching.
Pain worsening with gripping objects or flexing one’s wrist.
Weak grip strength.
Traditional Treatments
Rest and Activity Modification: One of the first steps in treatment is to reduce strain on the tendons, allowing them to heal.
Physical Therapy: A physiotherapist can guide through exercises that strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility, aiding in preventing future recurrences.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Bracing: A brace or splint can reduce strain on the injured tissue, providing relief and support during daily activities or when returning to the sport.
Steroid Injections: For severe pain, steroids can be injected into the affected area to alleviate discomfort.
Innovative Treatments: Embracing Orthobiologics
Orthobiologics offer a cutting-edge treatment alternative, harnessing the body's natural healing mechanisms.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Derived from the patient's own blood, PRP is rich in growth factors. When injected into the injured site, it can accelerate the healing process, alleviate pain, and improve function.
Bone Marrow Therapy: A natural reservoir for essential healing elements, bone marrow can be harnessed to foster tissue regeneration at injury sites.
In Conclusion Golf and tennis elbow, while common among enthusiasts of the sports, are highly treatable conditions. With a blend of traditional treatments and innovative orthobiologic therapies, a return to the course or court is not only possible but also can be expedited. Your game, much like your health, deserves the utmost care and precision. Choose treatments that align with your commitment to excellence. Deborah Westergaard, MD
Pain Experts Orthobiologics
References:
1. Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis With Autologous Blood, Platelet-Rich Plasma, or Corticosteroid Injections: A Systematic Review of Overlapping Meta-analyses
Darby A.Houck,*†BA, MatthewJ.Kraeutler, MD, Loree B.Thornton, BA, Eric C. McCarty,MD, and Jonathan T.Bravman, MD
Investigation performed at CU Sports Medicine andnPerformance Center, Department of Orthopedics,University of Colorado School of Medicine, Boulder, Colorado,USA
Orthop J Sports Med. 2019 Mar; 7(3): 2325967119831052.
Published online 2019 Mar 14
2.Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma for chronic tennis elbow: a double-blind, prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of 230 patients
Allan K Mishra 1, Nebojsa V Skrepnik, Scott G Edwards, Grant L Jones, Steven Sampson, Doug A Vermillion, Matthew L Ramsey, David C Karli, Arthur C Rettig
Am J Sports Med 2014 Feb;42(2):463-71.
3.Comparison of Local Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma and Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis of Humerus
J Clin Diagn Res 2015 Jul;9(7)
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