Fair Oaks Orthopedics

Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr., MD

Fair Oaks Orthopedics, Fairfax VA

ECU Tendonitis: Symptoms & Treatments
Golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is usually is caused by overuse or misuse of your forearm muscles and can be caused by poor form playing sports like golf, weight training, or baseball. Twisting your wrist too much can also lead to a golfer’s elbow. 
The most common symptom is pain that runs on the palm side of your forearm.
Other symptoms:
  • Pain and swelling at the tendons of your forearm muscles that attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow
  • Severe pain when you use your hands to grasp, lift, or twist objects
golfers elbow - elbow pain treatments fairfax va

Pain From Golfer's Elbow

The pain caused by a golfer’s elbow condition may be acute or chronic, mild or severe. If repetitive movement is causing your this discomfort, it can develop gradually over time. The most common symptoms associated with golfer’s elbow include:

  • Tenderness on the inside of the elbow: Patients often experience pain that radiates down the inner forearm.
  • Stiffness: Many patients experience stiffness in their elbow joint.
  • Numbness: Tingling in the affected area is a common symptom of golfer’s elbow. Numbness typically radiates into the ring and little fingers.
  • Weakness: Patients may feel weakness in their hands and wrists.

If Surgery Is Needed..

Surgery is often necessary if you do not respond to conservative methods after six months. Open surgery or the arthroscopic technique are generally your options.

Either involves the following steps:

  • Local or general anesthesia is given.
  • A cut is made over the medial epicondyle.
  • Damaged tendon tissue is removed without injuring the surrounding ligaments.
  • The healthy tendons are then reattached to the bone, and the incision is closed.
Golfers Elbow Vs Tennis Elbow

Golfer’s Elbow VS. Tennis Elbow

Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow are similar conditions that cause elbow pain from repetitive arm movements, but they affect different parts of your elbow and the area they affect. Tennis and Golfer’s elbow are opposite because of the location of the pain. Both cause pain along the forearm and elbow. Patients with a tennis elbow have pain on the outside of their elbow, while patients with a golfer’s elbow have pain on the inside of their elbow.

If you are experiencing pain from a golfer’s elbow and need treatment, please contact us at Fair Oaks Orthopedics. Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras and our professional medical staff are knowledgeable about the complex network of blood vessels, nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones that make up your wrist, elbow, and upper arm. We can help you recover by simply contacting us today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golfer's Elbow

Golfer’s Elbow is also called Medial Epicondylitis. Medial refers to the inside of your elbow and Epicondyle refers to the bumpy part at the end of a bone on your inner and outer elbow.

Golfer’s Elbow is a term used to describe this condition, when a patient experiences extreme pain  inside of their elbow.

This pain feels worse with any movement, usually motions that involve some strength to straighten or bending their wrist.

It is not caused by a golf injury. The name is often misleading. Many patients who have Golfer’s Elbow do not play golf.

Golfer’s Elbow is more of a chronic condition than an injury. Most patients feel pain on the inside of their elbow, especially when they do different motions with their wrist. Most patients notice that their elbow is feeling sore and will not move like it did before. use it like they could before. Pain can start gradually, then becomes more frequent and increases over time.

Try this:
  1. Rest. Put your golf game on hold until the pain is gone
  2. Ice.  Apply ice packs to your elbow for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, three to four times a day for several days
  3. Use a brace or splint
  4. Stretch and strengthen with suggested exercises

Golfer’s elbow can often be treated by non- surgical methods such as:

  • Resting, refrain from movement that puts stress on your elbow
  • Appy moist heat where it hurts
  • Elbow wraps
  • Mild massage to the painful area
  • Stretching exercises

 

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the elbow’s inner side, where the forearm muscles’ tendons attach to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. While most cases can be treated with non-surgical methods, surgery may be necessary for severe or persistent cases. Here’s an overview of golfer’s elbow surgery, including indications, procedures, and recovery.

Indications for Surgery

Surgery for a golfer’s elbow is typically considered when:

  • Symptoms persist for 6 to 12 months despite conservative treatment.
  • Pain significantly affects daily activities and quality of life.
  • There is a tear in the tendon or severe degeneration that hasn’t improved with other treatments.

TYPES OF SURGERY

Open Surgery

Procedure: Dr. Pournaras will make an incision over the medial epicondyle to access the affected tendon. The damaged tendon tissue will be removed, and the tendon will be repaired or reattached to the bone.

Advantages: Direct access to the affected area allows for thorough repair.

Disadvantages: Longer recovery time, larger scar.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Procedure: Small incisions are made, and a camera (arthroscope) and tiny surgical instruments are used to remove damaged tissue and repair the tendon.

Advantages: Minimally invasive, smaller scars, potentially quicker recovery.

Disadvantages: Limited area view requires specialized equipment and skills.

Recovery

Immediately After Surgery:

  • The arm is usually immobilized with a splint or brace.
  • Pain and swelling are managed with medications and ice.

First Few Weeks:

  • Gradual increase in range of motion exercises.
  • Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility.

Long-Term Recovery:

  • Full recovery can take several months.
  • Avoidance of activities that stress the elbow during the early recovery period.
  • Gradual return to sports and strenuous activities.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications, including:

  • Infection
  • Nerve damage
  • Stiffness or loss of motion
  • Persistent pain or recurrence of symptoms
  • Complications from anesthesia

Success Rate

The success rate for golfer’s elbow surgery is generally high, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved function. However, the outcome can vary based on the severity of the condition, the specific surgical technique used, and the patient’s adherence to post-operative rehabilitation.

Post-Operative Care

  • Follow-up Appointments: Regular visits to our practice to monitor healing and progress.
  • Physical Therapy: Restoring strength and flexibility is a crucial part of recovery.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: Ergonomic adjustments and activity modifications to prevent recurrence.

Golfer’s elbow surgery can effectively treat those who are not responding to conservative measures. Proper diagnosis and a comprehensive rehabilitation program are key to achieving the best possible outcome. If you are considering surgery, call our practice and schedule your appointment with Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras Today.

ORTHOPEDIC CARE IN FAIRFAX, VA

At Fair Oaks Ortho, we believe that cost shouldn’t be an obstacle to highest-quality care available. That’s why we’re proud to accept insurance from most major providers in the state of Virginia. View our list of accepted medical providers, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff with any questions.

Cigna Orthopedic Medical Insurance Virginia

Make Your Appointment Today

Fair Oaks Orthopedics – Fairfax,VA

Suffering from pain can limit your daily activities and decreases your enjoyment of life.  Our commitment to support your journey towards recovery can help ease your mind. Learn more about our comprehensive range of advanced treatment options for hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder designed to provide pain relief and heal as quickly, and as safely as possible.
HAND CONDITIONS
Hours:

Mon 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Tue 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Wed 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Thu 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Fri 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Sat Closed
Sun Closed

Get In Touch With Us:

 

Fair Oaks Orthopedics

For over 30 years, Virginia Board Certified Physician, Dr. Stephen W. Pournaras, Jr. has provided excellent healthcare and treatment for his patients. As a multi-specialty orthopedic practice, offering the best for you medically to treat, heal and lead you to optimum recovery. We are dedicated to using state-of-the-art technology while building nurturing relationships with each of our patients.

Contact Us Today.

    Skip to content