Golfer's elbow is a common sports-related injury among Americans. The Sports Injury Clinic website states that golfer's elbow is comparable to tennis elbow, except that it affects the inside aspect of your elbow instead of the outside. In many cases, golfer's elbow can be treated conservatively using herbs and other modalities. Talk with your physician about proper procedures, alternative therapies and potential risks before taking herbs to treat your golfer's elbow.
Golfer's Elbow
MayoClinic.com states that golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, occurs when the muscles and tendons that control the movement of your wrist and fingers become damaged due to repetitive stress. Pain and inflammation manifests near the bony protuberance, or bump, on the inner side of your elbow, at the location where your forearm muscles attach. Along with pain and inflammation, other common symptoms of golfer's elbow include elbow stiffness, weakness, numbness or tingling that radiates into your fingers.
Herbs and Supplements
Herbal remedies and supplements have long been used to help treat musculoskeletal problems, including golfer's elbow. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, naturopath and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that certain herbs, when used in combination and applied topically, can increase blood flow and nutrition to the injured area and help reduce inflammation. Tilgner's formula includes arnica; rue; calendula; Saint-John's-wort; cayenne; and wintergreen, tea tree and camphor essential oils. Bromelain, which is extracted from the stems of pineapple, is a dietary supplement that may also be used to treat your golfer's elbow.
A Popular Herb
Arnica is one of the most popular herbal supplements used to treat musculoskeletal problems, including golfer's elbow. Arnica is a flowering plant indigenous to the mountainous regions of Europe and Siberia, although it is also cultivated in the western part of North America. Arnica has anti-inflammatory and analgesic, or pain-relieving, action and is a powerful topical counter-irritant. Arnica is effective in treating both traumatic and repetitive injuries involving sore and strained joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Considerations
Like other medication prescribed by your doctor, herbal supplements can cause significant changes in your body. Before taking herbal supplements to help treat any condition, including golfer's elbow, you should speak with a botanically trained health care professional to better understand what herbs may be beneficial for you. Knowing the proper dosage, what side effects may occur and what drug interactions are likely can help reduce the possibility of complications associated with your use of herbal supplements.
References
- Sports Injury Clinic: Medial Epicondylitis
- MayoClinic.com: Golfer's Elbow
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
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