Can telemedicine treat Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)?

Audience: pediatric

Medial Epicondylitis, often called Golfer’s Elbow, is a condition that causes pain on the inside of the elbow. It happens when the tendons that attach muscles to the bone become irritated or inflamed. This can occur from repetitive movements or overuse, especially in activities like sports or playing instruments. Telemedicine can help by allowing healthcare providers to assess symptoms, offer advice on rest, exercises, and pain relief, and guide families on how to manage the condition at home. However, some cases may need an in-person visit for a full physical exam or imaging tests. Telemedicine is a useful tool to start care quickly and safely, especially for children who may find it hard to visit clinics. Always watch for warning signs and follow up with a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening elbow pain that limits movement — seek urgent medical care.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers — get evaluated promptly.
• Visible swelling, redness, or warmth around the elbow — may indicate infection or other serious issues; see a healthcare provider quickly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and history.
• Guidance on home care including rest, ice, and exercises.
• Monitoring progress and adjusting advice during follow-up visits.
• Education on prevention and activity modification.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing hands-on physical examination or special tests.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging studies like X-rays or ultrasounds.
• Providing emergency care for severe symptoms.
• Diagnosing other causes of elbow pain that require in-person evaluation.

What is Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)?

Medial Epicondylitis is a condition where the tendons on the inside of the elbow become irritated or inflamed. This causes pain and tenderness near the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. It often happens because of repeated bending or twisting motions, common in sports like golf or baseball, or activities like playing musical instruments.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Through a video or phone visit, a healthcare provider can ask about symptoms, watch how the elbow moves, and suggest ways to reduce pain. They may recommend rest, ice, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain medicine. Telemedicine can also guide families on exercises to improve strength and flexibility.

When In-Person Care is Needed

If pain is severe, swelling is present, or if there is numbness or weakness in the hand or fingers, an in-person visit may be necessary. Sometimes imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds are needed to rule out other problems. A healthcare provider may also want to examine the elbow directly to make a clear diagnosis.

Tips for Managing Golfer’s Elbow at Home

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Preventing Future Problems

To help prevent Golfer’s Elbow, avoid repetitive strain on the elbow, take breaks during activities, and use proper techniques in sports or hobbies. Strengthening arm muscles and warming up before activity can also help.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a family member help position the camera to show the elbow clearly.
• Prepare to describe symptoms clearly, including when pain started and what makes it better or worse.
• Have a list of current medications and any past medical history ready.
• Be ready to perform simple movements with the elbow as instructed by the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care plan given by the healthcare provider.
• Use ice and rest as recommended to reduce pain and swelling.
• Perform any prescribed exercises carefully and regularly.
• Monitor symptoms and note any changes or new problems.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine visits if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek in-person care if red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose Golfer’s Elbow?

Telemedicine can help a healthcare provider understand your symptoms and decide if they likely indicate Golfer’s Elbow. However, a full diagnosis sometimes needs a physical exam or tests done in person.

What treatments can I get through telemedicine?

You can receive advice on rest, ice, pain relief, and exercises to help heal the elbow. The provider can also guide you on how to avoid activities that may worsen symptoms.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If your pain is very bad, if you have numbness or weakness in your hand, or if your elbow is swollen and red, you should see a healthcare provider in person quickly.

Is Golfer’s Elbow common in children?

While more common in adults who do repetitive arm movements, children and teens can also develop Golfer’s Elbow, especially if they play sports or musical instruments a lot.

Can Golfer’s Elbow heal on its own?

With proper rest and care, many cases improve over weeks to months. Following your healthcare provider’s advice helps healing and prevents the problem from coming back.

Sources

1. Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow: Symptoms and Treatment — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Medial Epicondylitis — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your health or symptoms worsen, please seek direct evaluation by a healthcare provider.