c. Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)

What is Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)?

Golfer's elbow is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, at the bony prominence. The elbow joint is situated between the upper arm bone, called the humerus, and the lower arm bone called the ulna. The bony projections at the bottom of the humerus are called epicondyles. The one on the inner side is termed the medial epicondyle. Tendons of the forearm muscles responsible for wrist flexion attach to the medial epicondyle. Overuse of these muscles can lead to golfer's elbow, where the tendons undergo repetitive pulling forces at their attachment site. This results in inflammation and microtears in the tendons, causing pain. Medial epicondylitis is common in individuals who play golf, hence the name golfer's elbow, but it can also occur in racquet sports players, people who write persistently, and carpenters.

What are the symptoms of golfer's elbow?

The pain of golfer's elbow is located on the inside of the elbow, can radiate down the inner forearm, and may increase when making a fist.

How is Medial Epicondylitis treated?

Who should not receive the injection? The injection is not administered to patients with hypersensitivity to the drugs used during the injection and to those on anticoagulant medications How is a cortisone injection administered and how does it work? A depot-form cortisone that does not get absorbed systemically and a local anesthetic mixture are injected into the painful area. The administration is similar to getting an injection in the buttocks. It does not require sedation. It might be somewhat painful. Applying ice to the area after the injection can reduce pain. While the local anesthetic reduces pain, the cortisone treats the inflammation in the area. What should I expect from the procedure? If effective, the pain is expected to completely subside or significantly reduce within an average of 2-3 weeks. How often can it be administered? It can be reapplied after three weeks if necessary, but if no benefit is obtained, repetition is not meaningful. Conservative treatment with analgesic anti-inflammatory drugs and ice application should be continued. How soon can I return to work? One can return to work on the same day immediately after the procedure. Activities and sports that may worsen the condition should be avoided until the pain heals. What are the risks and side effects? Apart from a temporary increase in pain for a few days after the injection, there are not many side effects.

 

Golfer’s Elbow Injections

• If the pain does not subside with conservative methods, a cortisone injection around the medial epicondyle can be attempted.How is a cortisone injection administered and how does it work? A depot-form cortisone that does not get absorbed systemically and a local anesthetic mixture are injected into the painful area. The administration is similar to getting an injection in the buttocks. It does not require sedation. It might be somewhat painful. Applying ice to the area after the injection can reduce pain. While the local anesthetic reduces pain, the cortisone treats the inflammation in the area.
• What should I expect from the procedure? If effective, the pain is expected to completely subside or significantly reduce within an average of 2-3 weeks.
• How often can it be administered? It can be reapplied after three weeks if necessary, but if no benefit is obtained, repetition is not meaningful. Conservative treatment with analgesic anti-inflammatory drugs and ice application should be continued.
• How soon can I return to work? One can return to work on the same day immediately after the procedure. Activities and sports that may worsen the condition should be avoided until the pain heals.
• What are the risks and side effects? Apart from a temporary increase in pain for a few days after the injection, there are not many side effects.
• Who should not receive the injection? The injection is not administered to patients with hypersensitivity to the drugs used during the injection and to those on anticoagulant medications.