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Mayo Clinic Housecall
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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Golfer's elbow is characterized by:
- Pain and tenderness on the inner side of your elbow. Sometimes the pain extends along the inner side of your forearm.
- Stiffness. Your elbow may feel stiff, and it may hurt to make a fist.
- Weakness. You may have weakness in your hands and wrists.
- Numbness or tingling. Many people with golfer's elbow experience numbness or a tingling sensation that radiates into one or more fingers — usually the ring and little fingers.
The pain of golfer's elbow may appear suddenly or gradually. The pain may get worse when you:
- Swing a golf club or racket
- Squeeze or pitch a ball
- Shake hands
- Turn a doorknob
- Pick up something with your palm down
- Flex your wrist toward your forearm
When to see a doctor
Consult your doctor if rest, ice and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers don't ease your elbow pain and tenderness. Seek immediate care if:
- Your elbow is hot and inflamed and you have a fever
- You can't bend your elbow
- Your elbow looks deformed
- You suspect you've broken a bone
References
- Regan WD, et al. Tendinopathies around the elbow. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189250272-3/968308279/2079/28.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00019-1--s0225_2496. Accessed March 16, 2010.
- Jayanthi N. Epicondylitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 16, 2010.
- Weiss LD. Epicondylitis. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189250272-3/968308279/1678/22.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50021-3--cesec5_299. Accessed March 16, 2010.
- Mercier LR. Epicondylitis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189250272-3/968308279/2088/225.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00014-9--s2275_4609. Accessed March 16, 2010.
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 19, 2010.
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