Everything You Need to Know About Golfer’s Elbow
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While playing golf has numerous physical and mental health benefits, it may have some costs as well.
Golf is a sport that requires vigorous arm strength and control. Often avid golf players, due to the repetitive and powerful movements of the arm, may develop a condition known as the golfer’s elbow.
Since it’s not very widespread, many people are unfamiliar with this condition and may not even realize they have. Here’s everything you need to know about the golfer’s elbow and how to detect if you have it.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
More formally known as medial epicondylitis, a golfer’s elbow results from damaged or worn out tendons or muscles located in the elbow area, specifically the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the bump on the inside of your elbow.
As a result, there is swelling, inflammation, and tenderness in the elbow muscles and tendons. Â
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Causes
Despite what its name suggests, this condition isn’t limited to golf players. Since the most common cause for a golfer’s elbow is repetitive motions and overuse, people from other professions and other athletes might also develop it.
Other activities such as racket sports, rowing, baseball, weightlifting, typing, gaming, playing an instrument also involve the repetitive movement of the arms, which puts strain on the elbows.
People between the ages of 40-60 are likely to develop this condition.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a golfer's elbow may be subtle, but if not detected at the right time, they tend to worsen over time. Some common causes include:
Persistent Pain
You may feel persistent pain in your elbow and entire arm, which may become worse over time.
Weakness and Numbness
Your elbow, hands, and wrists may begin to feel weak and numb. The numbness may expand to the fingers, causing a tingling feeling.
Stiffness
You may feel a specific stiffness in your elbow or arm, making it difficult to bend or move it.
If you're facing severe symptoms, then it's probably best if you visit a doctor. However, if the symptoms are mild to none but you still want to be cautious, here are a few preventative measures you can take.
Prevention
Strengthen Forearm Muscles
Squeezing tennis balls or using light weights can gradually help your muscles prepare them for any sudden physical stress.
Stretch
Don't forget to stretch and exercise before every match so your muscles warm-up.
Fix Your Form
If you have a golf coach or instructor, ask them to check if your form is correct to avoid any harm to your elbow.
Use the Right Equipment
It's crucial to use the right equipment in sports, especially in golf, make sure the club is not too heavy for you and you have a good grip on it.
If you're looking for a place to find high-quality, affordable lightweight clubs with a firm grip, visit Discount Golf Company. We provide the complete equipment needed for golf, including Golf Pride Wrap, Bionic stable grip gloves, Winn Dri-Tac golf grips etc., in bundle offers at your doorstep.