Golfer’s Elbow
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is characterized by:
- Pain and tenderness on the inner side of your elbow;
- Stiffness in your elbow, and it may hurt to make a fist;
- Weakness in your hands and wrists;
- Numbness or tingling that radiates into one or more fingers — usually the ring and little fingers.
Diagnosis of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is usually diagnosed by your orthopaedic specialist in New Orleans based on your medical history and a physical exam. To evaluate pain and stiffness, he/she may apply pressure to the affected area or ask you to move your elbow, wrist and fingers in various ways.
An X-ray can help the orthopaedic surgeon rule out other possible causes of elbow pain, such as a fracture or arthritis. Rarely, more comprehensive imaging studies — such as magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) — are performed.
Treatment of Golfer’s Elbow
The sooner you begin treatment, the sooner you’ll be able to return to your usual activities. Most people will get better with rest, ice and pain relievers. Depending on the severity of your condition, the pain may linger for several months — even if you take it easy and precisely follow instructions on exercising your arm.
Consult your New Orleans orthopaedic surgeon if these options don’t ease your elbow pain and tenderness. Seek immediate care if:
- Your elbow is hot and inflamed and you have a fever;
- You can’t bend your elbow;
- Your elbow looks deformed;
- You suspect you’ve broken a bone.
The pain of golfer’s elbow doesn’t have to keep you off the course or away from your favorite activities. With rest and appropriate treatment, you can get back into the swing of things.
We want to be your trusted Orthopaedic Specialists of New Orleans. If you are experiencing the symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow, please call our office at (504) 897-7877 and a member of our caring staff will be happy to help you.
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