Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons on the inside of the elbow. It is a common injury in sports that involve repetitive gripping and wrist flexion, such as golf. However, despite the name, golfers are actually less likely to develop golfer’s elbow than other athletes.
One reason for this is that golfers use a different grip than many other sports. Instead of gripping the club tightly with the fingers and wrist, golfers use a relaxed grip that relies more on the larger muscles of the arm and shoulder. This helps to distribute the force of the swing more evenly and reduce stress on the tendons in the elbow.
Additionally, golfers typically have a more balanced and symmetrical swing than athletes in other sports. The golf swing involves a smooth transfer of weight from one foot to the other, with minimal lateral movement or abrupt changes in direction. This can help to reduce the strain on the tendons in the elbow and minimize the risk of injury.
If you are experiencing golfer’s elbow, it might be when you use a grip that is too tight or put too much tension on their wrists and forearms during the swing. I see it often with the “chicken wing” swing. Once stress at the site starts, then playing or practicing for long periods of time without proper rest or recovery can turn this into a full injury. Overall, while golfers are not immune to golfer’s elbow, they are less likely to develop the condition than athletes in other sports. By using proper technique, equipment, and training, golfers can continue to enjoy the game while protecting their elbow health.
