Injuries of this type are typically "repetitive use" injuries, so changing your ball will not help. Rest and icing is the best way to start the recovery and you might also want to look on-line for some exercises to help with strengthening the area and also some pre-round stretching routines.

Probably not. The injury your are describing is usually caused by repeated, hard contact with the ground. It is made worse if you have a bit of a "chicken wing" going on.

See your MD....then see your PGA Professional. Best of Luck!

John - ball selection will not make any difference. Golfer's elbow is a form of tendonitis. It is attributable to either overuse or incorrect golf swing kinematics. Assuming you are not beating balls for 2 hours a day, I would suggest you seek out instruction from a PGA teaching pro for a thorough evaluation of your golf swing. If the pain of your golfer's elbow is intolerable, I would suggest you go to a medical doctor and request a cortisone shot. I had this condition many years ago when I would spend hours upon hours beating golf balls. While a cortisone shot is not a cure, it will provide short term relief from the debilitating pain you may be experiencing

Best Wishes,

DV

I had tennis elbow for about 6 months a couple years back. I wrapped it and took advil before each round, which seemed to work pretty well.

Go to your local sports shop or drug store and buy one of those elastic bands made for golfer/tennis elbow. Wear it when playing golf. You have inflamed the tendons by repetition of your golf swing and I would go on an Advil (Ibuprofen) therapy for at least 3 days. When you are at home watching TV use a ice or a cold pack on the area for 15 minutes, remove and wait 30 -45 minutes and repeat two more times. The ultimate cure is to rest your elbow until the pain goes away which may take 4 to 6 weeks minimum. Been there done that. Good luck.

John, the ball has zero effect on injuries. I had extreme golfer's elbow a few years back. I was hitting hundreds of balls and playing every day on the hard Arizona golf courses. I was told surgery or a shot was only a 70% solution. I went to physical therapy once and quickly found out I could do everything on my own. Shakespeare said, "The best is rest..." I don't know if he was a golfer but it worked for me. I played very, very, sporadically for 10 months. After that, I got into a daily strength and stretching regime. It took a while, but I am now 100%, plus stronger, more flexible and happier. Injuries can and should be prevented with a proper fitness and stretching program. It is the most important thing you can do for yourself and your game. Also, proper rest which is grossly overlooked. Keep us posted.

I developed elbow tendonitis over the last couple seasons. I have a steep attack angle and the repeated contact with the ball/ground results in my elbow pain. I'm working on my swing mechanics, but the stretches I found on this website (searched Google "golfers elbow stretches") works incredibly well to reduce the pain. I stretch before/after golf, and in the morning everyday. tomrandallclimbing.wordpress.com/.../

Thanks so far for the advice - I should have been clearer when I asked the question. I am in PT now and it is getting better. Plus two equipment changes so far have helped. #1 I put sensicore in my iron shafts to dampen vibrations and #2 I changed my grips to the new Golf Pride CP2s which are softer and are also supposed to absorb shock. So this led me to the softer ball idea question. I'm a 3.1 index and am 54. I don't hit many balls anymore and am more of a sweeper/picker than a digger so my swing is not an issue either.

I've had both tennis and golf elbow (and both from golf). The BEST thing EVER is to get this thing called a "Flexbar" made by Theraband. Then search "Tyler Twist". There are two ways to do it (one for tennis elbow and the other for golf elbow).

Do 3 reps of 15 every morning with 30 seconds rest in between sets, and it should be a matter of miracle time that you are all healed. I'm usually all healed within two weeks or less when I stick to it. I use the blue flexbar (they are different colors for different amounts of tension). Ther are a good amount of videos on You Tube for the exercise... make sure you do it correctly.

Best of luck!

Ben

Hi everyone,

I would just add the comment that you probably should see your physician or at the very least discuss with your pharmacist, the type of anti-inflammatory to use.

Ibuprofen is not generally recommended as your "go to" for adult males given the relationship of NSAIDS (non steroidal anti inflammatories) and coronary disease. Naproxen may be a better alternative -- so please discuss it with your physician.

I use to have a "hot elbow" and tried magnetic bracelets, bands, wraps and finally found something that helped me. Some called me crazy! The Professional Steel Twist Magnetic - Silver - Men's Executive Bracelet by Sabona took care of my problem. Have been wearing it for a number of years and have not had any problems since. I wear it every day.

Is it your RIGHT elbow? for a right handed golfer?

I have been having bad pain in my right elbow lately, and I don't know if I am swinging incorrectly that is causing it or what. I also don't take much of a divot, so I don't think it has to do with ground contact. It almost feels like a hyper-extension problem.