{"id":5045,"date":"2019-03-18T04:59:16","date_gmt":"2019-03-18T04:59:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5045"},"modified":"2021-03-29T17:10:23","modified_gmt":"2021-03-29T17:10:23","slug":"12-causes-of-golfers-elbow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/12-causes-of-golfers-elbow\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Causes of Golfer\u2019s Elbow"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Golfer\u2019s elbow is a condition that affects the elbow causing pain, swelling, and loss of strength. This condition is generally associated with overuse, hence the name \u2018golfer\u2019s elbow\u2019. That is to say, that someone who plays a lot of golf and is constantly swinging their arm through the same motion, is significantly more likely to experience this problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this sounds familiar, it\u2019s because the condition has a lot in common with tennis elbow \u2013 which is likewise caused by overuse and likewise causes swelling and discomfort in the elbow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there a difference? The slight difference is in the tendons that are affected. Technically, these conditions are known as epicondylitis \u2013 or inflammation of the elbow tendons. Tennis elbow specifically affects the lateral (outside) epicondyle, while golfer\u2019s elbow affects the medial \u2013 inside \u2013 epicondyle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what can cause this condition? How do you know if you\u2019re likely to be suffering from it? Read on and we\u2019ll look at 8 of the most common causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Golf<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What were you expecting? A common cause of golfer\u2019s elbow is of course golf, and that\u2019s due to the nature of the golf swing. When you swing the club with force, this requires you to swing it forward across the body, thereby requiring you to bring the arm inward. To do this, you\u2019ll be exerting force on the elbow using the muscles<\/a>, and that means you\u2019ll be applying tension through the tendon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The assumption here then is that playing lots of golf will lead to the problem. However, in reality, a simple repetitive movement should not be enough to cause inflammation \u2013 so long as that movement is a healthy one and is performed correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of golf, in particular, it is important to use an overlapping grip. This small change in position can actually have a huge impact on the biomechanics of the swing, and thereby help you to avoid pain and discomfort. This is called the \u2018Vardon\u2019 grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only does the Vardon grip help the hands to move together as a single hinge, but it also helps to limit the amount of shock traveling down the medial side of the arm \u2013 by spreading it across both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Rope Climbing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rope climbing is an increasingly popular activity in the gym and an increasingly popular method of building \u2018functional strength\u2019 and huge biceps<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem with rope climbing though, is that it is also extremely taxing on the elbows. This is particularly true if you perform rope climbs for high repetitions, where it can begin to wear on the connective tissue over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The danger is that someone sees rope climbing on Instagram, thinks it looks cool and then starts incorporating it into their own training in a big way. This is dangerous because if the tendons haven\u2019t first been strengthened, then it\u2019s common that it can cause tendonitis. That\u2019s right \u2013 just like muscles, you can strengthen tendons. Just like muscles, it\u2019s also important that you do!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Punching<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Martial artists and boxers might also experience golfer\u2019s elbow. If you consider the way that you throw a punch, then it becomes apparent that the \u2018cross\u2019 or \u2018reverse punch\u2019 travels in a similar manner across <\/em>the body, thereby requiring exertion that travels through the medial tendon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can be an issue if you practice lots of punches over time \u2013 if you are hitting a punching bag on a daily basis for instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time though, punching can also cause this problem if you practice incorrectly. The most important consideration here is that you need to throw your punches without <\/em>locking out. If you allow the arm to \u2018hyper-extend\u2019 then only your joints and connective tissue will be responsible for absorbing the impact. Instead, slow and stop the arm just short by employing the muscle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Baseball\/Cricket<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Golfer\u2019s elbow is sometimes referred to as \u2018little league elbow\u2019. The reason is of course that baseball, cricket, and any other exercise <\/a>where you swing a bat, can very often lead to golfer\u2019s elbow. While the difference is slight, this motion has a little more in common with golf as opposed to tennis \u2013 you are pulling <\/em>the bat across the body, rather than pushing it past it as with a racket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other issue with cricket is that you will likely swing faster and in a less controlled manner. And you will also be likely to swing without using interlocking little fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is highly important that young children taking part in the little league use the correct form and technique when practicing and that they take time off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Throwing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just as swinging the bat can cause discomfort <\/a>and pain on the inner elbow, so too can pitching. This is true if you are using an overhand through which pulls the body across to the front during its apex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This throw actually can cause all kinds of complaints \u2013 also being a common cause of shoulder complaints. Perhaps this should come as no surprise once you remember just how powerful these fastballs really can be!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Again, using the correct technique and a fluid motion can help to limit the problem. Make sure though, that if you or anyone else starts to notice symptoms of golfer\u2019s elbow, that you take time out to let it rest and recover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who would have thought that a baseball player would need to worry about golfer\u2019s elbow! What\u2019s next? Skiing accidents for snooker players?<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Rock Climbing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another alternative name for golfer\u2019s elbow is the climber\u2019s elbow. This is because \u2013 as you likely guessed \u2013 rock climbing is also a common cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason for this is that when you rock climb, you use the grip to a large extent. This causes more pain on the tendon, which will also be taking a lot of weight <\/a>while in a locked position a lot of the time. This is also why rope climbing can be so problematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with weight lifting and rope climbing, it\u2019s important to build up the necessary strength before you start placing great loads onto these tendons. With time you can adapt and develop the resilience that you need. One way to do this is by using a fingerboard to gradually build up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Weight Lifting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Weight lifting can make or break your elbow! This is another form of exercise that involves bringing the elbows across the body for a range of different moves \u2013 including curls, woodcutters, and more. Likewise, weightlifters will often take part in rope climbs and other forms of functional training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But at the same time, the gym can be the ideal place to strengthen the tendons in order to prevent future injury<\/a>. Did you know that it typically will take about 2 months in order to build tendon strength? This is far slower than the time it takes to develop strength in the muscles \u2013 so it\u2019s crucial that you spend time doing the former first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Cell Death<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, it\u2019s worth mentioning that some experts now believe that the condition is partly caused by apoptosis (cell death) which can lead to chronic forms of the condition. This can reduce the density of the muscle, and lead to a kind of snowball effect wherein the muscle breaks down and the tendon function further begins to become compromised. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Athlete\u2019s like pitchers need to ensure that they work on preventing cell death through flexibility training and through other means, such as consuming the right nutrients, getting lots of sleep, and ensuring the tendon has time to be \u2018anabolic\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anabolism <\/a>essentially describes a state that the body goes into where it will heal tissue and wounds. This is in contrast to \u2018catabolism\u2019 which is when the body breaks down <\/em>tissue and burns fuel in order to fuel movements and actions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you constantly exercise, train, and compete, then you are constantly breaking down the tissue. It is crucial to ensure you also give the tendons time to heal and recover so that they can return stronger and better able to cope with the demands of intense activity and exertion. That said, there may also be some genetic component to this issue too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\r\n

<\/div>