Causes:
Another condition, opposite to "tennis elbow", is "golfer's elbow", which refers to pain on the inner side of the elbow joint when extending or flexing it, also known as "medial epicondylitis".
The medial epicondyle of the humerus is the attachment point for the common flexor tendon of the forearm. Due to long-term overuse, the origin of the wrist flexor muscles is subjected to traction and irritation, leading to chronic aseptic inflammation and thus "medial epicondylitis". It can also be caused by partial tearing of the common flexor tendon of the forearm due to an accidental fall, resulting in hematoma and fibrous scar formation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Long-term golfing can lead to elbow fatigue; or due to occupational diseases, the pain may worsen over time. Patients may experience pain in the upper arm and forearm, limited limb mobility, weakness, and decreased function.
Treatment Methods:
1. Manual therapy: Acupressure on tender points, Tui Na massage to relax the medial forearm muscles and straighten the meridians.
2. Acupuncture points: A-shi points, Shaohai, Xiaohai, Yinxi, medial forearm tendons, muscle origins and insertions.
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment: External application of medicated plasters for bruises and pain relief. Oral administration of blood-activating and stasis-removing pills.
Tips:
Temporarily cease activity in the affected limb and get plenty of rest. Applying a hot compress to the affected area helps promote blood circulation and reduce inflammation. Avoid eating shrimp, crab, beef, spicy foods, and alcohol. Do more stretching exercises. Swim more to relax the limbs and spine. Improve poor sports posture.
Case Study:
With more and more people playing golf, there are also many patients seeking treatment. When playing golf, one holds the club with a backhand grip. There was a patient who gripped the club too tightly and used only the muscles on the inner side of their forearm to generate power, instead of using the inertial force of the body's spinal rotation to hit the ball. This caused damage to the inner and outer muscles, the origins and insertions of tendons, and the medial epicondyle of the humerus. This is especially common for beginners, who almost always go through this stage.
Other patients, unable to aim for a proper serve, would hit the club into the grass instead. The recoil of the club caused elbow injury, leading to periosteal tearing and even spinal damage. During treatment, I often advise patients that after recovery, they must hire a good coach to improve their incorrect serving technique.
Source: "The Complete Book of Pain" by Zhang Yong
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