Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Understanding Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, causes pain where the forearm flexor muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow (the medial epicondyle). These muscles bend the wrist and fingers and turn the palm down. Repeated stress causes small tears and degeneration in the tendon.

It is not limited to golfers. Golfer’s elbow occurs with throwing, racquet sports, weight training and work that involves repeated gripping, hammering or twisting. It can occur alongside irritation of the ulnar nerve, which runs just behind the medial epicondyle.

Most cases improve with rest, ice, a brace, stretching and strengthening, and correcting technique. Corticosteroid injections can give short-term relief but may slow tendon healing, so their risks and benefits are discussed first. Surgery is considered when pain continues after several months of appropriate treatment; most patients resume normal activities and sports three to six months after surgery.

Causes & Risk Factors

• Golf, throwing and racquet sports
• Weight training
• Repetitive gripping, hammering or forceful wrist motion at work

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow include:

• Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow
• Pain that may spread along the inner forearm
• Stiffness and weak grip
• Pain with gripping, swinging a club or making a fist
• Numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers if the ulnar nerve is involved

Treatment Options

Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow depends on the severity of your condition and may include:

• Rest and ice
• A counterforce brace
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Physical therapy with stretching and strengthening
• Correction of swing or throwing technique
• Corticosteroid injection after discussing risks and benefits
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection
• Surgical debridement, with ulnar nerve release when needed, for persistent symptoms