Golfer’s Elbow

Can dehydration affect tendon health related to tennis or golfer’s elbow?

 Dehydration can negatively impact tendon health by reducing the water content in tendons, making them less flexible and more prone to injury. Tendons require adequate hydration to maintain their elasticity and resilience. Inadequate fluid intake, especially during intense physical activity, can elevate the risk of developing overuse injuries like tennis or golfer’s elbow. Staying well-hydrated supports tendon function and aids in recovery, making it an important but often overlooked aspect of injury prevention and management.

Can the way I grip equipment make a golfer’s elbow worse or better?

 Yes, your grip can have a major impact. Using equipment with grips that are too small, holding too tightly, or using poorly fitted tools can increase strain on the flexor-pronator tendons that are already irritated in golfer’s elbow. In sports like golf or tennis, a small grip often forces extra wrist and forearm effort, while vibrating power tools without proper padding can cause repeated microtrauma. Adjusting grip size, improving technique, and using properly fitted equipment can ease the strain. Coaches or occupational therapists can help fine-tune these adjustments for both recovery and prevention.

Can untreated mild golfer’s elbow lead to problems beyond just the elbow?

 Yes. If mild golfer’s elbow is ignored, people often start changing how they move to avoid pain. These unconscious adjustments may lead to shoulder tension, upper back stiffness, or wrist problems over time. For example, limiting wrist movement or rotating the shoulder differently can place extra strain on surrounding joints and muscles. Over months, this may cause new areas of discomfort or reduce overall function. Early treatment not only helps heal the elbow but also prevents these secondary issues. A whole-body approach to rehabilitation often leads to faster, more complete recovery.