What is Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)?

What Causes Golfer's Elbow?

Repetitive gripping, wrist bending and forearm rotation create small tears and tissue changes where the tendon attaches to the inner elbow. Golf, tennis forehand strokes, weight training, climbing and jobs using hand tools such as carpentry and plumbing are the main risk factors.

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness over the bony bump on the inner elbow
• Pain increasing when gripping, shaking hands or lifting
• Pain spreading along the inner forearm and reduced grip strength
• Sometimes tingling in the little and ring fingers (ulnar nerve involvement)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does golfer's elbow heal?

Resting from straining movements, a forearm strap, stretching and eccentric strengthening are enough for most patients. Persistent cases may be treated with shockwave therapy and regenerative injections such as PRP. Surgery is rarely needed.