Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s and Baseball Elbow)
What is medial epicondylitis?
Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfers’ elbow, baseball elbow, suitcase elbow, or forehand tennis elbow, is characterized by pain from the elbow to the wrist on the palm side of the forearm. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm. A tendon is a tough cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones.
What causes medial epicondylitis?
Medial epicondylitis is caused by the excessive force used to bend the wrist toward the palm, such as swinging a golf club or pitching a baseball. Other possible causes of medial epicondylitis include the following:
- Serving with great force in tennis or using a spin serve
- Weak shoulder and wrist muscles
- Using a too tightly strung, too short, and/or too heavy tennis racket
- Throwing a javelin
- Carrying a heavy suitcase
- Chopping wood with an ax
- Operating a chain saw
- Frequent use of other hand tools on a continuous basis
What are the symptoms of medial epicondylitis?
The following are the most common symptoms of medial epicondylitis. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.
The most common symptom of medial epicondylitis is pain along the palm side of the forearm, from the elbow to the wrist, on the same side as the little finger. The pain can be felt when bending the wrist toward the palm against resistance, or when squeezing a rubber ball.
The symptoms of medial epicondylitis may resemble other medical problems or conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
How is medial epicondylitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of medial epicondylitis usually can be made based on a physical examination. The physician may rest the arm on a table, palm side up, and ask the patient to raise the had by bending the wrist against resistance. If a person has medial epicondylitis, pain usually is felt in the elbow. Also, palpation of the tendon at its attachment to the inside of the elbow (the medial epicondyle) may reveal tenderness, which can also be indicative of medical epicondylitis.
How is medial epicondylitis treated?
Specific treatment for medial epicondylitis will be determined by your physician based on:
- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of the condition
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies
- Expectation for the course of the condition
- Your opinion or preference.
Treatment for medial epicondylitis includes stopping the activity that produces the symptoms. Treatment may include:
- Physical therapy including ice application (to reduce inflammation), strengthening exercises
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Surgery
To consult with one of our doctors at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron, please call (810) 985-4900 or schedule an appointment online.