GOLFER’S ELBOW

Golfer's Elbow - Description

1. Golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle of the humerus.
2. It usually occurs in people who frequently engage in sports or activities that involve repetitive bending of the wrist or forearms.
3. The condition often affects the tendons of the flexor muscles of the forearm, particularly the flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, and pronator teres.

Clinical Features

1. Pain and tenderness on the medial aspect of the elbow, usually on the inside aspect of the elbow.
2. Pain and stiffness in the forearm or elbow, which may be worse with activities that involve bending the wrist or forearm.
3. Pain that radiates to the wrist or fingers.
4. Weakness in the forearm muscles, particularly in the flexor muscles.
5. In some cases, the pain may be constant, but in others, it may be exacerbated by activity.

Pathoanatomy

1. The medial epicondyle of the humerus is the site of attachment for the flexor muscles of the forearm, including the flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, and pronator teres.
2. Overuse or repetitive strain on these tendons can lead to inflammation and micro-tearing of the tendon fibers.
3. This inflammation causes pain, stiffness, and weakness in the affected muscles.

Investigations

1. Clinical examination, including a thorough history and physical examination, is usually sufficient to diagnose golfer's elbow.
2. Imaging studies such as X-rays or an MRI may be ordered to rule out other conditions, such as a fracture or a tumor.

Complications

1. Chronic pain and stiffness in the affected elbow.
2. Limited range of motion in the elbow joint.
3. Weakness in the forearm muscles, which may affect daily activities.

Management

1. Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate the condition.
2. Physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength in the affected muscles.
3. Anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
4. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tendons.

Treatment

1. Conservative treatment, including physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication, is usually successful.
2. Surgical treatment is usually reserved for cases where conservative treatment has failed.

Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines

1. Arnica montana: for inflammation and pain.
2. Rhus toxicodendron: for stiffness and limited range of motion.
3. Hypericum perforatum: for pain and numbness in the affected area.
4. Bellis perennis: for inflammation and pain.
5. Ledum palustre: for stiffness and limited range of motion.

Blood Supply

1. The medial epicondyle of the humerus receives its blood supply from the ulnar artery.
2. The flexor muscles of the forearm receive their blood supply from the ulnar artery and the radial artery.

Nerve Supply

1. The medial epicondyle of the humerus is innervated by the ulnar nerve.
2. The flexor muscles of the forearm are innervated by the ulnar nerve and the median nerve.

Clinical Anatomy

1. The medial epicondyle of the humerus is a bony prominence on the inside aspect of the elbow.
2. The flexor muscles of the forearm, including the flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, and pronator teres, attach to the medial epicondyle.
3. The ulnar nerve and the ulnar artery pass over the medial epicondyle.