Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is an inflammatory condition at the medial side of the elbow joint. The medial epicondyle of the humerus is the common origin of the flexor and pronator muscles of the forearm. Flexor-pronator tendon degeneration results in pain across the medial aspect of the elbow joint due to repetitive use of the elbow, unexpected trauma, etc. The disease commonly occurs in people in their thirties or forties due to sports injuries. In three out of four cases, the dominant arm is involved.

Etiology

Golfer’s elbow can be caused by the following activities:

• Golf
• Tennis
• Archery
• Bowling
• Weight lifting
• Intensive occupations with forceful, repetitive activities
• Carpentry, plumbing, and construction works

Risk factors for Golfer’s elbow.

• In athletes, as a result of poor equipment usage and training mistakes.
• Heavy physical work.
• Tobacco use.
• Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.

Signs and Symptoms.

The condition develops slowly and affects the medial or ulnar side of the elbow joint. There isn’t any bony inflammation. The signs and symptoms include:

1. Aching pain that extends from the epicondyle to the forearm and wrist along the medial side of the elbow.
2. Pain worsens with the forearm movements such as gripping, throwing, etc.
3. The pain subsides when the activities are discontinued.
4. It is associated with elbow stiffness.
5. In extreme circumstances, numbness, tingling, or weakening in the ulnar nerve’s distribution.

Examining the affected area will reveal swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness will be present over 5 to 10 mm distal and anterior to the medial epicondyle, particularly close to the tendon’s origin.

What is Golfer’s elbow in Ayurveda?

Golfer’s elbow is associated with a class of illnesses known as Vata Vyadhi in Ayurveda. The condition arises from vitiation of the Vata dosha at the snayu (tendon)of the elbow joint (koorpara sandhi).

Ayurvedic Management of Golfer’s elbow.

The treatment principle of the Golfer’s elbow includes the correction of the vitiated Vata dosha. It can be attained through therapeutic techniques like:

1. Snehana (oleation) therapy – Medicated oils like BalaThaila, Sahacharadi Taila, Prasarini Taila, Dhanwantharam Thailam, and Murivenna can be applied to the area.
2. Upanaha(poultice)-The Vata-soothing herbal powders or supplements can be applied topically.
3. Swedana (fomentation) therapy: Kizhi can be applied locally over the elbow, including elakizhi and njavarakizhi.
4. Different kinds of dhara, including Kashaya Dhara and Thaila Dhara.
5. Daha karma-Agni karma can be performed by applying sallaka to the painful area. In comparison to other therapeutic approaches, the recurrence of the illness after Agni karma management is uncommon.
6. Yoga for Golfers Elbow – Nadi Shuddi Pranayam calms the mind and relieves aches and pains. In this Ayurveda breathing practices, the patient is advised to take a meditative posture with the head and spine erect keeping the whole body relaxed. The patient has to close his one nostril (e.g. left nostril if using the right hand and vice versa) with the thumb and exhale completely through the other nostril. Again, he will have to breathe in deeply through the other nostril while the opposite nostril is still closed with the thumb.

We also advise certain Ayurvedic supplements to be used orally in addition to traditional treatments to manage the condition.

Do’s and don’ts.

1. Refrain from consuming foods that vitiate the vata, such as dry and cold foods.
2. Avoid heavy exercise that worsens the condition.
3. Massage the affected area with oil.
4. Exercises for strengthening the flexor and pronator tendon.
5. Night splinting with a cock up wrist splint is helpful. 

Conclusion

A Golfer’s elbow is also painful and can reoccur especially when you overuse your forearm muscles. The most recommended action is to take rest your elbow which can repair naturally within 6 months to 2 years Ayurvedic approach to the treatment of Golfer’s Elbow condition includes administration of anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic medicines, application of medicated oils/powders to the area with mild massage, sweating treatment (Swedana), Lepanam and Pichu treatment. Yoga therapy is also recommended depending upon the severity of the condition. Ayurvedic Massage therapy is also administrated for patients in severe conditions to reduce pain.

Contact us if you think these time-tested traditional medicines can make a difference in your health & wellbeing. Please call +61 3 9078 2940 if you would like to know further information on Golfer’s elbow treatments.