Golfer’s Elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is similar to Tennis Elbow but affects the inside of the elbow. Due to excess use, the tendon tears near the region where it connects to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow (medial epicondyle). Caused by repetitive or excess stress to the muscles and tendons that control the wrist and fingers, this injury affects a myriad of people, causing elbow pain. Activities like golf, throwing sports (pitching), racket sports, and simple things like typing, hammering, or painting can lead to this injury.
- Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow
- Radiating pain on the inner side of the forearm
- Stiffness in the elbow
- Pain in and difficulty making a fist
- Weakness in hands and wrists
Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common joint disorder, is a result of the wearing away of cartilage between bone joints. As the condition progresses, the cartilage dissolves causing bones to grind together and resulting in pain and stiffness. OA most commonly affects the hands, feet, spine, and the weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. The two types of OA are primary and secondary. While OA is most commonly caused by metabolic conditions (i.e., acromegaly), problems in anatomy (i.e., being “bow-legged”), injury, and/or inflammatory disorders (i.e., septic arthritis), it also can occur without previous injury or medical condition.
- Grating of the joint when in motion
- Joint pain in wet weather
- Swollen joints
- Limited movement of joints
- Morning stiffness
Tennis Elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a syndrome due to excess use of the wrist and/or forearm. Not exclusive to only tennis players, anyone partaking in any activities involving repetitive twisting of the wrist, like using a screwdriver, can be to blame for the diagnosis of Tennis Elbow. With Tennis Elbow, the tendon connecting the muscle to the bone might be partially torn at or near the place where it connects to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle) causing pain and/or inflammation on the outside of the forearm. Tennis Elbow commonly affects people in their dominant arm, but it can occur in either/both arms.
- Elbow pain that gradually worsens with use
- Weakened grasp
- While grasping or twisting, pain spreads from the outside of the elbow to the forearm and back of the hand