Flexor tendinopathy (Golfer's or baseball elbow) is pain and inflammation on the inner side of your elbow, where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. The pain may spread into your forearm and wrist.
In flexor tendinopathy, the muscles that bend the wrist and fingers into flexion are aggravated. This large group of muscles originates from the medial epicondyle on the humerus. When forces become greater than the strength of the muscles, micro trauma of the common flexor origin tissues occurs. This produces an aching pain on the inside of the elbow that may gradually extend down the front of the arm to the wrist and fingers. Pain is usually more noticeable during and after activity and may be accompanied by muscle weakness and decrease range of motion at the elbow.
Signs and symptoms of flexor tendinopathy may include:
Pain and tenderness on the inner side of your elbow. Sometimes the pain extends along the inner side of your forearm.
Stiffness. Your elbow may feel stiff, and it may hurt to make a fist.
Weakness. You may have weakness in your hands and wrists.
Numbness or tingling. Many people with golfer's elbow experience numbness or a tingling sensation that radiates into one or more fingers - usually the ring and little fingers.
If self-care steps such as rest, ice and use of over-the-counter pain relievers don't ease your elbow pain and tenderness, the assessment by a health care professional is warranted.
Physiotherapy treatment for this condition is divided into 3 stages with the main focus on the return to normal activity
Stage 1 - Primary goals are to reduce pain and inflammation with the use of ice, rest and modalities
Stage 2 - Continued strengthening and range of motion exercises. Functional exercises and gradual exposure to stressful activities are also introduced to help prepare you to return to normal activity.
Stage 3 - Increase muscle strength and endurance, and to return to work or sport.
This information should only be used as a guide and does not replace the assessment of a professional health care provider.
Tez is a registered physiotherapist with Pinnacle Sports Physiotherapy Centers. For more info visit www.pinnaclephysio.com or call (250) 762 3322.
Golfer's or baseball elbow
