The classic golfer’s elbow affects the inner prominence (medial
epicondylitis) of the elbow joint. A golfer’s leading elbow (your left if
you’re right-handed) is at greatest risk. Golf elbow often manifests itself as
pain at the inside of your elbow (with your palm up; tennis elbow is on the
outside of your elbow), and occurs when the tendon that attaches the forearm
muscles to your elbow swells and becomes sore.
Among several causes of this, the most common are overuse and overload of
the muscles.
If left untreated, the elbow can deteriorate, develop bone chips, scar
tissue and even arthritis. The best forms of treatment are wearing a brace on
the left arm, enlarging the grip of the club, improving your swing mechanics,
and using cavity-backed clubs with graphite shafts that absorb the forces
generated by the swing.
Hand and Wrist Injury
Tendonitis is the most common hand and wrist injury and results from
repetitive overuse or gripping the club too tightly. Or, as Tiger once did,
hitting the root of a tree hidden just below the ball, which sidelined him for
weeks. Wrist tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons that pass from your
forearm over the wrists to the hands and fingers. It is a common sports injury
that affects a variety of athletes, especially golfers. Any activity that
involves flexing and straightening the wrist through a wide range of motions
can cause tendonitis.
The symptoms develop gradually and include pain with repetitive use,
swelling, tenderness, a crackling sensation, and difficulty in gripping objects.
You may be able to diagnose and treat the injury by yourself, but if the
symptoms get worse or last as long as two weeks, get medical attention. If you
don't, tendonitis can become chronic and may even require surgery.