Generally speaking, golfer’s elbow is temporary and heals within a few weeks, but there are things you should do to make sure your condition does not worsen. The condition is usually minor, with no harm coming from it.
However, using the affected arm too much can make the condition worse. If you take the steps, you can recover quickly.
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is tendinitis that tears the muscles inside the elbow and forearm. It’s a painful condition that causes stiffness and inflammation. The condition is also known as medial epicondylitis.
This is a very annoying condition that impacts your ability to function for days at a time. Moving and holding objects will be difficult. It can put you out of work until you take the proper steps to heal.
What Happens if Golfer’s Elbow Goes Untreated?
Most of the time, the tears in your arm will heal naturally. This can be uncomfortable, however. It also makes little sense, as there are plenty of easy and free ways to treat the condition. Be sure to seek treatment if your arm still hurts after a few months.
How to Treat Golfer’s Elbow
Here are some things you can do to help treat golfer’s elbow:
- Pain relief medication – Ibuprofen and other pain relief medications will lessen the achiness you feel in the afflicted arm.
- Ice – Ice helps reduce inflammation by cooling down the affected muscles. Ice also restricts blood flow and shortens the recovery time.
- Arm brace – In serious situations, you might need an arm brace to keep it from moving.
- Rest – Allow yourself time to heal. Don’t lift or move heavy objects. Wait until the tears in your muscle fuse back into place. Abstain from athletic activities.
- Recovery stretches – Various exercises can help treat golfer’s elbow. Soft tissue rolling is a technique that helps with blood flow and generally relaxes your muscles. Flex your wrists until you feel a slight tension in your forearm.
Get in Contact
Please call Orthopedics Associates of Long Island at (631) 689-6698 for any concerns regarding tendinitis. There are resources available to help you recover from golfer’s elbow.