Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Elbow pain is a common issue among athletes and can negatively impact daily life. In sports such as tennis and golf, the muscles and tendons around the elbow are subjected to repetitive overuse, leading to various elbow conditions. Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are among the most common of these disorders. Below is detailed information about these two conditions and their treatment options.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition caused by overuse of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow. Although commonly seen in tennis players, it can also occur from various activities outside of racket sports. When playing tennis, the muscles on the outer part of the forearm are strained during racket swings, leading to damage in the tendons attached to these muscles.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

• Pain and Tenderness: Pain and tenderness occur on the outer side of the elbow.

• Difficulty in Wrist Extension or Gripping: Pain is experienced during wrist extension or gripping.

• Pain During Daily Activities: Pain increases during simple daily activities. For example, holding a cup or turning a door handle becomes difficult.

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition caused by overuse of the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. During the swinging motion in golf, the muscles on the inner part of the forearm are typically strained, leading to damage in the tendons attached to these muscles.

Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

• Pain and Tenderness: Pain and tenderness occur on the inner side of the elbow.

• Difficulty in Wrist Flexion or Gripping: Pain is experienced during wrist flexion or gripping.

• Strain or Feeling of Weakness: A feeling of strain or weakness may be experienced in the wrist.

Treatment Methods for Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

Various methods are used in the treatment of tennis and golfer’s elbow. Treatment generally focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and strengthening the muscles.

Local steroid injections help relieve pain by reducing inflammation. However, long-term use of steroids may lead to tissue weakening and other side effects, so they should be used with caution.

PRP and Prolotherapy

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment involves injecting platelets derived from the patient’s own blood into the damaged area. This method accelerates tissue healing. Prolotherapy, on the other hand, is a treatment that encourages the regeneration of connective tissue in the elbow.

Surgical intervention

In cases that fail to improve with conservative treatments, surgery may be considered. This procedure repairs torn tendons and removes damaged tissue. Surgery is generally used as a last resort and requires a longer recovery time.

Prevention Methods for Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

• Correct Technique Usage: Using the right techniques while exercising reduces the stress on the elbow.
• Equipment Settings: Proper adjustment of sports equipment such as a racket or golf club can reduce pressure on the elbow.
• Regular Exercise: Doing exercises that strengthen elbow muscles and increase flexibility reduces the risk of injury.
• Breaks: Avoiding repetitive movements and taking regular breaks will prevent overuse of the elbow.

Tennis and golfer’s elbow are common conditions among athletes that impact daily life. Accurate diagnosis of these conditions and the implementation of appropriate treatment methods improve patients’ quality of life. Various treatment options are available, including physical therapy, PRP, prolotherapy, and, when necessary, surgery. Furthermore, using proper techniques and regular exercise can prevent these conditions. It’s important for people experiencing elbow pain to consult a specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment method.