Is Golfer’s Elbow Serious?

Golfer’s elbow, like so many other ailments of the elbow, can start out mild but quickly escalate into debilitating pain. Most people begin with rest, ice, and possibly analgesics, but when the pain lingers past the point where self-care is no longer working, then it’s time to see an elbow pain doctor here in San Diego.

Golfer’s elbow is technically known as medial epicondylitis. It arises from overuse – too much swinging, pulling, lifting, and otherwise stressing the muscles and tendons in your elbow. When that overuse becomes longstanding or chronic, the pain may be proportionally persistent.

Visiting an elbow pain specialist in San Diego for golfer’s elbow will typically leave you fitted with a brace. You may also receive some stronger pain management medications, and possibly platelet rich plasma injections, which involve spinning out your own blood and re-injecting it at the site to promote faster healing.

If all else fails, there’s elbow surgery. This is typically a last resort, but it can also be effective. When swelling or damage gets too great to clear on its own, a San Diego elbow surgeon can help to create more room in the joint, and possibly replace damaged tissue.

For more information how to treat golfer’s elbow, call us anytime.