Golfers Elbow Caused by Typing 

Medial epicondylitis (ME), also called golfers elbow, is tendinopathy of the medial common flexor tendon of the elbow. Medial epicondylitis forms from tendinopathy caused by chronic and repetitive stress on the wrist flexors and pronator teres, leading to angiofibroblastic changes. The continuous strain from repetitive activities results in recurring microtears within the tendon, eventually leading to tendonosis. Repetitive typing, a hallmark of modern work environments, can surprisingly lead to golfers and tennis elbow symptoms. Hours spent at a keyboard, often in awkward positions or without proper ergonomic setup, strain forearm muscles and tendons. The repetitive motion of striking keys can irritate the tendons around the elbow joint, causing inflammation and pain similar to golfers and tennis elbow. Over time, this strain can worsen and can become scar-like in appearance, impacting daily activities and work productivity.

Golfers and Tennis Elbow Caused by Improper Swinging Technique

Interestingly, it is estimated that 50% of all tennis players will suffer from tennis elbow at one point in their lives. However, Less experienced or novice players are at a higher risk of developing lateral epicondylitis due to faulty stroke techniques compared to skilled or experienced tennis players. Skilled players typically impact the ball with a hyper-extended wrist (approximately 23 degrees from neutral) during a single-handed backhand swing and maintain wrist extension throughout impact. Conversely, novice players tend to impact the ball with the wrist in flexion (approximately 13 degrees) and continue to keep the wrist flexed following impact. These findings suggest that skilled players primarily engage in concentric (shortening) contractions of the wrist extensors during impact, while novice players predominantly undergo eccentric (lengthening) contractions.

Golfers and Tennis Elbow Caused by Older Age

As individuals age, the tendons in their bodies undergo various changes that can affect their flexibility and resilience. These age-related changes make the tendons more susceptible to injury, particularly in areas like the elbows, commonly subjected to repetitive stress in activities like golf and tennis. As tendons age, they typically exhibit several fundamental changes, including a decline in the quantity and effectiveness of tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs), alterations in collagen organisation and an accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). These age-related modifications can contribute to various symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and diminished range of motion in affected individuals. Reduced TSPC activity may impair the tendon’s ability to repair and regenerate, while disorganised collagen bundles can compromise the structural integrity of the tissue. Additionally, the buildup of GAGs may disrupt the normal function of the tendon and contribute to inflammatory processes.

It is vital for older tennis elbow sufferers to be abundantly clear that tennis elbow can heal at any age given the right treatments and the right care.

Golfers and Tennis Elbow Caused by Muscle Weakness or Imbalance

We lead wildly unnatural lives. Our body’s evolves for a life living on the land hunting wild animals, and now most of us must ‘sit’ for a living. A part of this is repetitive hand movements that lack variety. Lack of movement variety predisposes us to muscle imbalances. And muscle imbalances predispsoe us to tennis elbow pain

Muscle imbalance refers to an imbalance in the interaction between muscles predisposed to becoming tight and shortened and those prone to inhibition or weakness. Muscle imbalance is a breakdown in the coordination between agonist and antagonist muscles. In essence, when one muscle in a synergistic pair becomes dominant during movement, it can lead to either reduced involvement of the other muscle, resulting in disuse atrophy, or excessive motion in the direction dictated by the dominant muscle. This imbalance disrupts the usual interplay between muscles, potentially leading to functional limitations, compensatory movements, and increased risk of injury.

Golfers and Tennis Elbow Caused by Trauma or Injury

Trauma to a tendon occurs when it experiences sudden or repetitive stress beyond its capacity, leading to injury or damage. This can happen due to accidents, such as falls, direct blows, or repetitive movements that strain the tendon over time. The trauma may result in partial or complete tears of the tendon fibres. While less frequent, medial epicondylitis can also result from acute trauma caused by a sudden, forceful contraction of the muscles. This abrupt strain can overload the tendons and lead to inflammation and microtears, resulting in pain and discomfort around the inner elbow.

Golfers and Tennis Elbow Caused by Weightlifting

You might have encountered elbow pain during your workouts if you’re a frequent gym attendee or athlete or regularly engage in heavy lifting. Contrary to what the names imply, this discomfort isn’t limited to tennis players or golfers. The elbow serves four main functions: flexion, extension, supination, and pronation. Stress experienced during these movements can contribute to the onset of conditions such as tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, particularly during weightlifting exercises. Some of the ways weightlifting can cause tennis or golfers elbow include:

• Gripping Too Tightly: Applying excessive force when gripping the bar or dumbbell activates the flexor tendon, which is responsible for wrist bending. This strain can trigger inner elbow pain, even if the wrist maintains a neutral position during the movement.

• Incorrect Wrist Position: Allowing the wrists to roll forward activates the flexor tendon, potentially causing inner elbow discomfort. Conversely, bending the wrists backward during the curl activates the extension tendons, leading to outer elbow pain.

• Overloading: Lifting weights beyond your capacity may not reflect bicep strength but rather grip and forearm strength. Inadequate grip or forearm strength can result in poor wrist control and form, increasing the risk of elbow pain and injury.

• Lack of Exercise Variation: Repetitive bicep curl routines can strain the arms and elbows with consistent forces, heightening the risk of tennis or golfer elbow injury. Diversifying your strength training regimen can help mitigate these overuse injuries.