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Quality in Sport

Diagnosis and Treatment of Golfer's Elbow: A Review of Therapeutic Approaches
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Golfer's Elbow: A Review of Therapeutic Approaches

Authors

  • Karol Dzwonnik Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1366-3945
  • Urszula Zelik University Teaching Hospital them F. Chopin in Rzeszów, Poland Fryderyka Szopena 2, 35-055 Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3369-7936
  • Wojciech Florczak Medical University of Lublin: Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8003-0999
  • Joanna Śnieżna Medical University of Lublin: Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2713-0835
  • Jakub Dziewic Medical University of Lublin: Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4338-4573
  • Wiktoria Domino Clinical Provincial Hospital No. 2 in Rzeszów, Poland Lwowska 60, 35-501 Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0034-7463
  • Gabriela Trestka Clinical Provincial Hospital No. 2 in Rzeszów, Poland Lwowska 60, 35-501 Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9504-8923
  • Maria Przygoda Specialist Hospital named after Stefan Żeromski, Independent Public Healthcare Facility (SP ZOZ), in Kraków https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6409-7265
  • Jagienka Włodyka University Teaching Hospital them F. Chopin in Rzeszów, Poland Fryderyka Szopena 2, 35-055 Rzeszów, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7243-7023
  • Kamila Stępień Independent Public Health Care Facility of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration in Kielce, Poland Wojska Polskiego 51, 25-375 Kielce, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3579-9308
  • Sabina Adamczyk https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9671-6619

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2024.37.57096

Keywords

Golfer's elbow, medial epicondylitis, conservative treatment, surgical treatment, complementary therapies, PRP, ESWT, diagnosis

Abstract

Introduction: 

Medial epicondylitis, or golfer's elbow, is caused by repetitive stress on the medial epicondyle tendons, leading to pain, reduced grip strength, and limited mobility. Poor biomechanics and overloading worsen the condition, which involves tendon degeneration and inflammation. Treatment begins with rest, physical therapy, and NSAIDs, while advanced cases may require injections, surgery, or innovative therapies targeting oxidative stress.

Aim of study Objective:
The objective of this paper is to analyze the causes, symptoms, and available treatment n methods for golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis). The paper aims to compare the effectiveness of conservative methods and surgical interventions in treating this condition, as well as discuss the latest advancements in therapy

State of Knowledge: 

Medial epicondylitis, or golfer's elbow, is a chronic tendon condition caused by repetitive stress. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and imaging, while treatment begins with conservative methods like rest and physical therapy. For resistant cases, surgical options and innovative therapies. A multimodal, personalized approach ensures optimal recovery and long-term relief.

Summary (Conclusion): 

Medial epicondylitis, or golfer's elbow, is caused by repetitive stress and degenerative changes in the flexor-pronator tendons. Effective diagnosis combines clinical evaluation and imaging. Conservative treatment, including rest, physical therapy, and pharmacological support, is the first-line approach. In refractory cases, surgical options like open repair and arthroscopy, along with innovative techniques such as collagen-augmented sutures and stem cell applications, show promising results. Complementary therapies, such as ESWT, PRP, and manual therapy, further enhance outcomes, particularly in chronic cases. A multimodal, personalized approach ensures optimal tendon healing, functional recovery, and long-term symptom relief.

References

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Published

2025-01-27

How to Cite

1.
DZWONNIK, Karol, ZELIK, Urszula, FLORCZAK , Wojciech, ŚNIEŻNA, Joanna, DZIEWIC, Jakub, DOMINO, Wiktoria, TRESTKA, Gabriela, PRZYGODA, Maria, WŁODYKA, Jagienka, STĘPIEŃ, Kamila and ADAMCZYK, Sabina. Diagnosis and Treatment of Golfer’s Elbow: A Review of Therapeutic Approaches. Quality in Sport. Online. 27 January 2025. Vol. 37, p. 57096. [Accessed 27 December 2025]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2024.37.57096.
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Vol. 37 (2025)

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Medical Sciences

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Copyright (c) 2025 Karol Dzwonnik, Urszula Zelik, Wojciech Florczak , Joanna Śnieżna, Jakub Dziewic, Wiktoria Domino, Gabriela Trestka, Maria Przygoda, Jagienka Włodyka, Kamila Stępień, Sabina Adamczyk

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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