Holding the Club Too Tightly Can Cause "Golfer's Elbow"
Causes, Symptoms, and Chinese Medicine Treatment for Medial Epicondylitis
Persistent pain on the inside of your elbow, accompanied by weakness when bending or straightening it? You might be suffering from Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis). This condition is located on the opposite side to "Tennis Elbow," with pain appearing on the inside of the elbow. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or experiencing this due to occupational strain, below is a detailed explanation of its causes, clinical manifestations, real-life cases, and Chinese medicine treatment plans.
⚡ Quick Overview: What is Golfer's Elbow?
Golfer's Elbow (scientific name: Medial Epicondylitis) is caused by repeated traction irritation of the common flexor tendon attachment point—the medial epicondyle of the humerus—leading to chronic aseptic inflammation and pain on the inner side of the elbow. It is common in individuals who play golf for extended periods, grip the club too tightly, or experience occupational strain. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can treat it both internally and externally through manual therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine.
💡 Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer's Elbow — What's the Difference?
Tennis Elbow
Pain on the outer side of the elbow
(Lateral Epicondylitis)
Injury to the origin of the wrist extensor muscles
Golfer's Elbow
Pain on the inner side of the elbow
(Medial Epicondylitis)
Injury to the origin of the wrist flexor muscles
I. Causes of Golfer's Elbow
Another condition located on the opposite side to "Tennis Elbow" is "Golfer's Elbow," which refers to pain on the inner side of the elbow when bending or extending the elbow joint, 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 strain, the origin of the wrist flexor muscles is repeatedly subjected to traction irritation, causing chronic aseptic inflammation, leading to "Medial Epicondylitis."
Two Main Pathogenic Pathways
🔹 Chronic Strain
Long-term overwork causes repeated traction irritation at the origin of the wrist flexor muscles, leading to chronic aseptic inflammation. This is common in individuals who play golf for extended periods or whose professions require repetitive wrist flexion movements.
🔸 Acute Trauma
Accidental falls and injuries can cause partial tears of the common flexor tendon of the forearm, leading to hematoma formation and subsequent fibrous scarring.
II. Clinical Manifestations and Symptoms
Long-term golf play can cause elbow strain, or prolonged occupational stress can exacerbate pain. The main clinical manifestations include:
✦ Persistent pain on the inner side of the elbow
✦ Increased pain when bending or straightening the elbow joint
✦ Pain felt in both the upper arm and forearm
✦ Restricted limb movement and weakness
✦ Overall decreased function of the elbow
If you experience the above symptoms after playing golf or during daily activities, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening to tendon tears or periosteal damage.
III. Chinese Medicine Treatment Methods
🤲
Manual Therapy
Acupressure on tender points, massage to relax the medial muscles and tendons of the forearm, align the meridians, and improve elbow joint flexion and extension function.
📍
Acupuncture Treatment
Acupoints include Ashi points, Shaohai, Xiaohai, Yinxi, and the origins and insertions of the medial forearm muscle groups. Precise needling unblocks meridians, relieves pain, and reduces swelling.
🌿
Herbal Medicine Treatment
Topical application of跌打止痛膏 (Die Da Zhi Tong Gao - bruise and pain relief ointment) and internal use of活血化瘀丸 (Huo Xue Hua Yu Wan - blood-activating and stasis-resolving pills) to treat both internally and externally, fundamentally eliminating inflammation and promoting tendon repair.
IV. Daily Care and Gentle Reminders
✅ Daily Care Suggestions
🔸 Adequate Rest: Temporarily stop activities involving the affected limb to allow the elbow sufficient rest and recovery time.
🔸 Apply Heat to the Affected Area: Use a hot towel to apply heat to the affected area, which helps promote blood circulation and reduce inflammation.
🔸 Dietary Restrictions: Avoid shrimp, crab, beef, spicy foods, and alcohol to prevent exacerbating the inflammatory response.
🔸 Stretching Exercises: Perform stretching exercises regularly to maintain the flexibility of the forearm muscles and tendons.
🔸 Swimming for Relaxation: Swim frequently to help relax the limbs and spine, reducing muscle tension.
🔸 Improve Posture: Correct poor exercise posture, especially gripping the club and swinging actions when playing golf.
V. Real Case Studies
Case 1: Golfer with Too Tight a Grip
With the increasing popularity of golf, many patients seek treatment for golf-related injuries. When playing golf, a backhand grip on the club is required. One patient suffered damage to the medial and lateral muscles, tendon origins and insertions, and the medial epicondyle of the humerus because they gripped the club too tightly, relying solely on their forearm muscles for power instead of the rotational momentum of their spine.
This stage is almost inevitable for beginners. The correct approach is to use the rotational force of the body's spine to drive the swing, rather than relying solely on forearm muscle strength.
Case 2: Club Hitting the Ground — Recoil Injury to the Elbow
Other patients, unable to aim their shots properly, would accidentally hit the club into the ground. The recoil from the club then damaged their elbow, leading to periosteal tears and even spinal injuries.
During treatment, patients are often advised that after recovery, they must hire a good coach to correct their improper swing techniques, thereby preventing re-injury from the root cause.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Golfer's Elbow?
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is a common pain condition on the inner side of the elbow. The medial epicondyle of the humerus is the attachment point for the common flexor tendon of the forearm. Due to long-term strain or improper exercise posture, the origin of the wrist flexor muscles is repeatedly subjected to traction irritation, causing chronic aseptic inflammation, leading to pain on the inner side of the elbow, restricted limb movement, and weakness.
What is the difference between Golfer's Elbow and Tennis Elbow?
Golfer's Elbow (medial epicondylitis) pain is located on the inner side of the elbow, caused by damage to the common flexor tendon of the forearm; Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis) pain is located on the outer side of the elbow, caused by damage to the origin of the wrist extensor muscles of the forearm. Their locations are exactly opposite, but both are caused by overuse or improper use of forearm muscles.
What are the main causes of Golfer's Elbow?
The main causes of Golfer's Elbow include: long-term golf playing causing elbow strain, gripping the club too tightly relying solely on forearm muscles, improper swing posture causing club recoil to injure the elbow, and chronic strain due to repetitive wrist flexion movements in certain professions. Accidental falls and injuries can also cause partial tears of the common flexor tendon of the forearm.
How does Chinese Medicine treat Golfer's Elbow?
Traditional Chinese Medicine treats Golfer's Elbow mainly with three methods: First, manual therapy, including acupressure on tender points, massage to relax the medial muscles and tendons of the forearm, and alignment of meridians. Second, acupuncture therapy, involving needling Ashi points, Shaohai, Xiaohai, Yinxi, and the origins and insertions of the medial forearm muscle groups. Third, herbal medicine therapy, with topical application of bruise and pain relief ointment and internal use of blood-activating and stasis-resolving pills, treating both internally and externally.
What should Golfer's Elbow patients pay attention to in their daily lives?
Patients should temporarily cease activities involving the affected limb, get plenty of rest, and apply hot towels to the affected area to promote blood circulation and reduce inflammation. Diet-wise, avoid shrimp, crab, beef, spicy foods, and alcohol. It is recommended to do stretching exercises and swim frequently to relax the limbs and spine. Most importantly, correct poor exercise posture. After recovery, it is advisable to consult a coach to correct swinging techniques.
What happens if Golfer's Elbow is severe?
If Golfer's Elbow is not treated in time, the common flexor tendon of the forearm may experience partial tears, leading to hematoma formation and subsequent fibrous scarring. Club recoil during swinging can also cause periosteal tears and even spinal injuries. Chronic strain can exacerbate pain and lead to a continuous decline in limb function. Patients are advised to seek medical attention as early as possible when symptoms first appear.
How can Golfer's Elbow be prevented?
The key to preventing Golfer's Elbow is to improve swinging posture. The swing should be driven by the rotational force of the body's spine, not solely by forearm muscles. Avoid gripping the club too tightly. Warm up thoroughly before exercise and stretch after exercise. Beginners are advised to hire a professional coach for proper technique guidance. In daily work, avoid repetitive wrist flexion movements for prolonged periods and take timely breaks.
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