Q. I play golf two to three times a week and have had pain on the inside part of my right elbow for two months. I rested it for two weeks, but when I went back to play it hurt even worse. I tried ibuprofen and it did not help. I want to know how to get rid of the pain. What should I do?
A. Pain on the inside part of the dominant elbow in a golfer is very common. This is the power arm and the golf swing results in a repetitive stress on the tendon that originates on the inner elbow. This condition is known as medial epicondylitis.
This area has a poor micro circulation and thus is very slow to heal. The initial treatment is usually an oral anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. A cortisone shot may give you relief, but if you do not rehab this properly and continue with the right work-out program, the symptoms are likely to return. Careful attention to proper swing mechanics is also important in injury prevention. I recommend you see an orthopedic surgeon or upper extremity specialist to confirm the diagnosis and get treated so you can return to pain-free sports.
Dr. Harlan Selesnick is team physician of the Miami Heat and director of Miami Sports Medicine Fellowship, Doctors Hospital. Send questions to HarlanS@baptisthealth.net.
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