Dallas Golfers Elbow Surgeon

Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) involves inflammation or tearing of the flexor tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle of the humerus (inner elbow). This painful condition, occurring from repeated muscle contractions, is called “Golfer’s Elbow” because it is often caused by repetitive wrist flexion or gripping activities, similar to those used in golfing. However, it’s important to note that many other activities that require repetitive motion, such as weightlifting, hammering, or even computer use, can also contribute to the development of this overuse injury.

This area serves as the common origin for the muscles that bend the wrist and fingers, and overuse can lead to microscopic tears and inflammation of the injured tendons, causing pain and discomfort, swelling, and decreased elbow function.

The elbow joint helps in wrist and finger movement, and injury to this complex joint formed by the humerus, radius, and ulna can worsen symptoms if left untreated.

Treatment Options & Procedures to Relieve Elbow Pain

Conservative treatment is often the first line of defense for Golfer’s Elbow, also called medial epicondylitis. This approach focuses on allowing the injured tendons to heal naturally while managing symptoms of golfer’s elbow, such as elbow pain and swelling. Key components of conservative treatment typically include, but are not limited to:

Rest to decrease stress on the tendons
Ice packs to reduce inflammation and promote healing
Bracing (elbow strap or brace to support tendons and reduce strain)
Pain medication, including anti-inflammatory medications
Physical therapy with stretching exercises and occupational therapy to improve motion and decrease stiffness, and more!

Golfer’s elbow surgery typically involves a medial epicondyle release or tendon repair, a surgical procedure performed when conservative treatment options fail, and symptoms persist for 6-12 months. This procedure can address both chronic inflammation, scar tissue present, and tearing of the flexor tendons at the inner elbow. Your Dallas golfers’ elbow surgeon, often a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training, will remove diseased tissue and/or reattach the tendon to the humerus during your procedure. This procedure involves incisions, and recovery requires strict adherence to your doctor’s instructions. The following are some general guidelines from our office, but your elbow doctor may provide specific guidance.

FAQS on Golfer’s elbow

Although both Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow are types of epicondylitis (inflammation of the elbow tendons), Golfer’s Elbow occurs on the inside of the elbow, affecting the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle; Tennis Elbow occurs on the outside of the elbow, affecting the tendons attaching to the lateral epicondyle.

Both conditions are types of tendonitis caused by repeated muscle contractions and overuse injury, often worsened by poor technique or direct trauma.

There are several prevention strategies one should undertake to decrease stress and avoid worsening symptoms (orthotics). They include, but are not limited to:

Proper warm-up and stretching before activities to promote healing and increase blood flow
Using a corrective technique during sports/work, including proper swing technique, to reduce strain on the injured tissues
Taking breaks to avoid repetitive motion, elbow stiffness, and allow blood flow to injured tendons
Strengthening forearm muscles with professional instruction and occupational therapy
And more!

Yes. If left untreated or if repetitive activities continue, Golfer’s Elbow can become a chronic condition—thereby leading to persistent pain, severe pain, and reduced function, affecting your quality of life.

With appropriate treatment or surgery, including possible elbow arthroscopy or medial epicondyle release, most people recover fully from Golfer’s Elbow. However, it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s and physical therapist’s recommendations, especially to prevent any recurrence and thereby ensure long-term elbow health and restore full elbow function.

What to Eat or Drink Following Your Procedure

Stick to light foods for at least the first 48 hours following surgery. Heavy meals may cause stomach discomfort, especially when combined with pain medication, which can also lead to nausea during early recovery.
If you experience severe nausea or vomiting, contact our office as soon as possible.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Electrolyte drinks can be substituted as needed.

Caring for Incisions

Do not remove the dressing that was placed over your incision site. We will remove the dressing at your follow-up appointment.
You may notice blood spotting or slight fluid leakage on the dressing. This is normal. If the dressing becomes saturated, cover it with sterile gauze. Do not remove the dressing yourself.
Incisions must remain dry to prevent infection. You may shower 24 hours after discharge, but you will need to keep the surgical site dry. You can do this by placing a protective waterproof covering over the incision site. Do not immerse the incision site in water.
Avoid the application of topical skincare products, including creams, lotions, and ointments.
Your sutures will be removed within 1-2 weeks. After clearance from your Dallas golfers elbow specialist, you can begin to get the incision site wet, but you are cautioned against immersing the area in water. Your doctor will be able to guide your follow-up evaluation.

Pain and Medication Guidelines

*The following are general aftercare guidelines for the use of medications. Your Dallas golfers elbow doctor will provide specific instructions as they pertain to your health, prescriptions, procedure, and management of symptoms signs such as pain and swelling.

Local anesthesia from your procedure will begin to wear off within 6-10 hours of discharge. Pain typically peaks between day 2-3, often presenting as gradually achy pain. You may also notice an increase in swelling and elbow stiffness during this time, which can be managed with ice and elevation.
Take all prescribed pain medications, including anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections if recommended and according to the instructions on the label. If you find that your medications do not adequately treat Golfer’s Elbow post-surgery pain or if you experience grip pain or difficulty with motion pain, please contact our office.
Prescription pain medications can cause side effects, including nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty with coordination, and constipation. We encourage you to have someone with you during the first few days of recovery to handle any tasks that require alertness and to assist with activities that involve gripping objects or require fine motor control.
Do not drive or operate machinery while taking prescription pain medications.
Some people are at a higher risk of developing blood clots. If you have a known risk of clot formation, including a history of elbow fractures or other elbow conditions, discuss this with your doctor. A low-dose aspirin regimen may be recommended during recovery to minimize this risk. Your medical history and physical examination will guide these recommendations.

Your Mobility Following Golfer’s Elbow Surgery

As with other elbow injuries, surgery will affect your mobility. Below are some general guidelines for safe movement during recovery:

For the first week, rest while maintaining your elbow in your brace/splint at an angle of around 70-90 degrees. This can minimize swelling and reduce tension on the flexor tendons.
Use the provided brace/splint 24 hours a day for 4-6 weeks. Avoid active wrist bending or forceful gripping until cleared by your doctor.
Avoid palm-up lifting, repetitive wrist rotation, or heavy gripping until cleared by your doctor.
Avoid prolonged periods of sitting for the first two weeks to promote healthy circulation.
Driving is prohibited until authorized by your doctor. Many patients are able to resume driving 4-6 weeks after surgery, but this will depend on whether your elbow and wrist control are sufficient for safe operation of a vehicle.
Discuss workplace accommodations that allow you to avoid using the operative arm during the first two weeks of recovery.

Proper Usage of Your Brace/Splint

Wear the prescribed brace/splint at all times, including during sleep, to immobilize the elbow and protect the flexor tendon. Your doctor can provide a timeline for removal during your initial follow-up appointment.
Do not attempt to make adjustments to the brace/splint on your own. Our office can assist you if adjustments are required for hygiene or to ensure proper fit, which is important to avoid additional strain on the inner forearm and to support the healing of the ulnar collateral ligament and extensor tendon.

Use a Cold Pack for Swelling

Cold therapy can be used to manage swelling and pain around the inner elbow and forearm. Apply a cold pack or prescribed cooling device over medial elbow for 20-30 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first week.
Always place a barrier, such as a towel or cloth, between the cold pack and your skin to prevent frostbite. Never apply cold directly to the skin.

Movement and Stretching Guidelines

According to your doctor’s instructions, engage in light finger and wrist extension exercises within 24-48 hours post-surgery. Avoid active wrist flexion or gripping unless directed by your doctor.

Perform approved exercises 2-3 times daily to promote circulation and prevent stiffness in the hand and wrist.

If ordered, physical therapy usually starts between 1-2 weeks following discharge. Our Dallas golfers elbow surgeon can help you set up an appointment with a physical therapist if needed.

CALL US IF…

Reach out right away if you notice:

214 265 3271

Severe, persistent pain that does not improve with medication or radiates through your upper arm.
Fever, chills, infection, redness, off-color discharge.
Severe swelling, tingling, numbness or skin discoloration, particularly in the hand, fingers or forearm.
Respiratory distress or chest discomfort.
Bleeding or persistent fluid leakage at the incision site.

Have Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms? Don’t Suffer in Silence! Contact our Dallas Golfers Elbow Surgeon

In addition to general elbow care, Dr. Thornton treats a range of conditions, including triceps tendon tears and ulnar nerve entrapment.

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