Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition affecting the inner part of the elbow where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to a bony bump. This article explores the characteristic sensations associated with this condition, helping individuals recognize its presence and seek appropriate care.
Common Pain Locations and Qualities
The primary sensation of golfer’s elbow is pain and tenderness, localized to the bony prominence on the inside of the elbow, known as the medial epicondyle. This discomfort often extends down the inner side of the forearm towards the wrist. The pain can manifest as a persistent, dull, and throbbing ache.
Touching the medial epicondyle elicits tenderness, indicating inflammation or irritation at the tendon attachment site. Beyond a dull ache, individuals may experience sharp, sudden pain, especially when performing specific movements or applying pressure to the elbow. A burning sensation can also be present, described as a feeling of heat or irritation within the affected tendons.
The elbow joint can also feel stiff, especially in the mornings or after periods of rest. This stiffness can limit the range of motion and make it challenging to fully extend or flex the arm. The combination of these pain qualities can impact daily comfort and function.
Sensations During Movement and Activity
Pain from golfer’s elbow often intensifies during specific movements and activities that engage the forearm muscles. Gripping objects is a common trigger, causing discomfort when making a fist, shaking hands, or holding items like golf clubs, tools, or a cup. This gripping pain often stems from strain on the wrist flexor tendons originating at the medial epicondyle.
Lifting objects, especially with the palm facing down, can also aggravate the condition, leading to noticeable pain in the inner elbow and forearm. Activities requiring forearm rotation, such as turning a doorknob, opening jars, or using a screwdriver, often produce a sharp or aching sensation. This is due to the involvement of the pronator teres muscle, which originates from the affected area.
Bending the wrist towards the forearm, known as wrist flexion, can also exacerbate pain, a common occurrence during tasks like typing or using a computer mouse. Throwing motions, particularly overhead activities common in sports like baseball or javelin, can place stress on the medial elbow tendons, resulting in increased pain.
Other Associated Sensations
Beyond localized pain, golfer’s elbow can also cause other sensations affecting arm function. Individuals may report reduced strength in the hand and wrist, making it difficult to perform tasks requiring a firm grip or sustained lifting. This weakness can sometimes lead to dropping objects unexpectedly.
Some people may experience numbness or tingling sensations that radiate into the ring and little fingers. This can indicate involvement or irritation of the ulnar nerve, which passes close to the medial epicondyle. While less common, these nerve-related sensations can be a concerning symptom.
The pain is not always confined to the elbow; it can travel or radiate up or down the arm. This radiating pain can extend from the inner elbow into the upper arm or further down the forearm towards the wrist.