Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow) Specialist
Are you experiencing pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow which worsens with movement? Athletes and golfers can experience stiffness, tingling and weakness in the elbow, wrist and hand area from damage to tendons in the arm. Golfer’s elbow specialist, Doctor Riley J. Williams provides diagnosis and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City and surrounding areas who have symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow. Contact Dr. Williams’ team today!
What is medial epicondylitis?
Medial epicondylitis is also known as golfer’s elbow. This condition results in pain on the medial (inside) of the elbow that can radiate into the forearm and wrist. Medial epicondylitis is typically caused by repetitive overuse of the wrist and fingers. Golfer’s elbow is a form of tendinitis that affects the flexor muscles of the forearm. Medial epicondylitis is more common in men, and is called “golfer’s elbow” because the golf swing motion is commonly associated with tendonitis of the elbow flexor muscle mass. disorder.
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Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
What is a flexor mass tendon tear?
The flexor mass is a group of muscles and tendons located in the forearm near the elbow. This muscle mass controls the tendons that flex the wrist, hand and finger. Tears of the flexor mass can occur with overuse, and are associated with the throwing motion. This is a rare injury that is mostly seen in overhead athletes such baseball players. Flexor mass tears can stem from a specific event or can develop over time. Dr. Riley J. Williams, orthopedic elbow specialist, serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City, NY and surrounding areas, has extensive experience in treating lateral epicondylitis, a flexor mass tendon tear and other elbow injuries.
What are the symptoms of medial epicondylitis?
The onset of symptoms is usually gradual but may be worsened during activities like swinging a golf club. Individuals in the New York are who experience golfer’s elbow often report the following symptoms:
- Pain or tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
- Pain of the inner side of the forearm
- Numbness or tingling in the fingers
- Stiffness in the elbow when clenching the fist
- Weakness in the wrist or hand of the side of the affected elbow
How is medial epicondylitis diagnosed?
Dr. Williams will ask questions regarding your elbow pain, such as when the pain began and if certain activities and movements make the pain worse. He will also perform a physical examination. He will palpate or touch the elbow to check for pain, strength and stability. Pain at the medial elbow is consistent with medial epicondylitis. Dr. Williams will often order imaging studies including radiographs, ultrasound, and MRI scans to delineated damage to the soft tissue structures of the elbow. He may order an EMG if nerves issues are suspected.
How is medial epicondylitis treated?
Non-surgical treatment:
Conservative treatment methods are usually recommended for medial epicondylitis.
Nonoperative therapeutic approaches include:
- Rest
- Ice
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Bracing
- Injections ((corticosteroid, platelet rich plasma)
- Physical therapy
- Shockwave therapy
Surgical treatment:
If conservative treatments do not alleviate pain after approximately 6 months, surgery may be recommended. Surgery may consist of repairing the damaged tendon and removing scar tissue to alleviate elbow pain. Dr. Williams will discuss the type of surgery necessary. Once surgery is completed, a period of rest and immobilization of the elbow will be required before physical therapy will be prescribed.
For more information on golfer’s elbow, medial epicondylitis, a flexor mass tendon tear and the treatment options available, please contact the office of Riley J. Williams, MD, orthopedic elbow specialist serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York City, NY and surrounding areas.
Locations
610 W 58th Street
New York, NY 10019
148 39th Street, 7th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11232
Office Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Fax: 212-774-2895
