Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)

Overview

Medial epicondylitis, commonly known as golfer's elbow, is a condition that causes pain on the inner side of the elbow. It develops when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to a bony bump on the inside of the elbow (the medial epicondyle) become irritated or develop small areas of wear.

These tendons control bending of the wrist and gripping. Despite its nickname, golfer's elbow is not limited to golfers; it can affect anyone who repeatedly grips, twists, or flexes the wrist, including manual workers and other athletes. It is the inner-elbow counterpart to tennis elbow, which affects the outer side. Most cases improve with rest and conservative care, though recovery can take time.

Like other tendon overuse injuries, golfer's elbow tends to develop gradually rather than from a single event. Catching it early and adjusting the activities that strain the tendon often leads to a quicker recovery, while continuing to overload the tendon can make the problem more stubborn and slower to heal.

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
• Pain that may radiate down the inner forearm toward the wrist
• Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or bending the wrist
• Weakness in the hand or wrist
• Stiffness in the elbow, sometimes with a weaker grip
• Occasional numbness or tingling into the fingers if a nearby nerve is irritated

Symptoms often begin gradually and may worsen with continued activity that strains the tendons.

Everyday tasks such as shaking hands, turning a key, opening a jar, or lifting a bag can become uncomfortable. The pain is usually felt right over the bony bump on the inner elbow and may build up over weeks rather than appearing suddenly.

Causes

Medial epicondylitis is caused by repeated or forceful use of the forearm tendons, leading to small areas of damage where they attach to the elbow.

• Repetitive wrist and grip activity: Frequent gripping, twisting, or flexing the wrist.
• Sports: Golf, throwing sports, racquet sports, and weightlifting.
• Occupational strain: Jobs involving hammering, painting, typing, or repetitive tool use.
• Poor technique or sudden increases in activity: Overloading the tendons before they adapt.

Risk Factors

• Activities involving repetitive gripping or wrist motion
• Age over 40
• Inadequate warm-up or conditioning
• Poor sporting technique or improper equipment
• Forceful or prolonged forearm use at work

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually diagnose golfer's elbow from the history and a physical exam:

• Physical examination: Pressing on the inner elbow and asking you to flex the wrist against resistance to reproduce the pain.
• Imaging: X-rays to rule out other problems, or sometimes MRI or ultrasound to assess the tendons if the diagnosis is unclear or symptoms persist.

The doctor may also check for irritation of a nearby nerve, since this can cause tingling into the ring and little fingers and sometimes occurs alongside golfer's elbow.

Treatment

Most cases respond to conservative treatment, though healing can be slow.

• Rest and activity change: Avoiding or modifying the activities that trigger pain.
• Ice and pain relief: Cold packs and over-the-counter pain medicine to ease symptoms.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises: A guided program, often with physical therapy, to restore tendon health.
• Bracing: A counterforce brace or strap to reduce strain on the tendon.
• Other options: Injections or, rarely, surgery for stubborn cases that do not improve.

Returning to activity gradually and correcting technique help prevent the problem from coming back.

Patience is important, because tendons heal slowly and pushing back into heavy activity too soon can cause a setback. A gradual return guided by how the elbow feels, along with attention to technique and equipment, helps reduce the chance of the problem coming back.

Prevention

• Warm up and stretch before activity
• Strengthen forearm and grip muscles gradually
• Use proper technique and well-fitted equipment in sports
• Take breaks during repetitive tasks
• Increase activity levels slowly rather than suddenly

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if inner-elbow pain does not improve with rest and self-care after a few weeks, or if it interferes with daily activities. Seek prompt care if you have:

• Sudden, severe elbow pain or swelling
• Inability to bend or straighten the elbow
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand
• A fever or warmth and redness around the joint, which may suggest infection

Related Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Golfer's Elbow.
2. Mayo Clinic. Golfer's elbow — Symptoms and causes.
3. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Elbow injuries and disorders.
4. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS).