Golfer elbow

Overview

Golfer's elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is a condition where the tendons that attach to the inside of your elbow become painful and inflamed. It usually happens when you repeatedly use your wrist and fingers to grip, twist, or bend.

Yes, golfer's elbow is a common overuse injury, especially among people who work with their hands or play sports that involve gripping.

It affects people of all ages but is most common in adults between 30 and 60 years old. It is often seen in golfers, but also in carpenters, plumbers, cooks, and anyone who does repetitive wrist or finger motions.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain and tenderness on the inside of your elbow, especially when gripping, lifting, or twisting your wrist.
• Stiffness in the elbow or feeling like you cannot fully straighten your arm.
• Weakness in your hand or wrist, such as difficulty holding a cup or turning a door handle.
• Pain that may travel down your forearm from the elbow.

Symptoms in children

• Children can get golfer's elbow from sports like baseball, tennis, or golf, or from activities like climbing or gaming.
• They may complain of inner elbow pain during or after activity and may avoid using that arm.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have milder pain at first but can develop more stiffness and weakness over time.
• Recovery may take longer due to age-related changes in tendons.

Causes

Main causes

• Repeating the same wrist and hand motions over and over, especially gripping, twisting, or lifting with your palm facing down.
• Using poor form or technique in sports or work activities.
• Suddenly increasing the intensity, frequency, or duration of activities that involve gripping.

Risk factors

• Playing sports such as golf, tennis, baseball, or rock climbing.
• Jobs that require repetitive hand movements, like plumbing, carpentry, painting, or assembly line work.
• Having a previous elbow injury or arthritis.
• Being over 40 years old, as tendons naturally become less flexible.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have symptoms of infection (redness, warmth, fever) around the elbow.
• You cannot bend or straighten your elbow after a sudden injury.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Elbow pain does not improve after 2 weeks of self-care (rest, ice, gentle stretching).
• Pain is severe enough to interfere with daily activities like dressing, eating, or working.
• You have weakness in your hand that makes you drop things.

Diagnosis

A doctor or physiotherapist will ask about your activities and symptoms, and examine your elbow. They will press on the inside of your elbow and ask you to move your wrist or hand to see what causes pain.

Tests that may be done

• Imaging tests are not usually needed. If the diagnosis is unclear, an ultrasound or MRI can check for tendon tears or other problems.
• X-rays may be done if there is concern about arthritis or a bone injury.

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is quick and painless. Your doctor will gently move your arm and wrist to find where it hurts. They may also check your shoulder and neck to rule out other causes of elbow pain.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on giving the injured tendons time to heal while reducing pain and inflammation. Most people improve with simple home care and activity changes. If needed, your doctor can recommend specific therapies or treatments.

Self-care at home

• Rest your elbow by avoiding the activity that causes pain for a few days to weeks.
• Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the inside of your elbow for 15–20 minutes, several times a day.
• Wear a supportive brace or strap just below the elbow to take pressure off the tendons.
• Do gentle stretching exercises for your wrist and forearm as directed by a physiotherapist.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help – ask your pharmacist or doctor which is best for you.

Medical treatments

If self-care is not enough, your doctor may suggest physiotherapy to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility. Other options include corticosteroid injections (to reduce inflammation temporarily), shockwave therapy, or botulinum toxin injections in certain cases. These should only be done under a doctor's supervision. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice – never take stronger treatments than recommended.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered if severe pain continues for 6–12 months despite all other treatments. Surgery involves removing damaged tissue from the tendon and reattaching the healthy part. Recovery takes several months of rehabilitation.

Living with this condition

Golfer's elbow can make simple tasks like carrying groceries, opening jars, or shaking hands uncomfortable. With rest and proper care, most people return to normal activities within a few months. You may need to modify how you do certain tasks – for example, use both hands to lift things, or take frequent breaks.

Lifestyle tips

• Use ergonomic tools at work or home that reduce strain on your wrist and elbow.
• Warm up your arm with light stretches before any activity that uses gripping.
• Avoid repetitive activities that flare up the pain until you have fully recovered.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins (like vitamin C and D) may support tendon health. Gentle exercises such as wrist flexor stretches and eccentric strengthening (lengthening the muscle while it is under tension) can help – a physiotherapist can give you an individualized programme.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with persistent pain can be frustrating and affect your mood. It is normal to feel upset or discouraged. Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel low, anxious, or hopeless – they can suggest strategies to cope, such as relaxation techniques or counselling.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk by using proper technique in sports and work, warming up before activities, and strengthening your forearm muscles. Avoid overtraining or suddenly increasing your activity level. Take breaks during repetitive tasks.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic pain that lasts for months or years.
• Permanent weakness in your grip or loss of motion in your elbow.
• Tear of the tendon requiring longer recovery or surgery.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for golfer's elbow is very good. Most people recover fully within a few months with simple self-care and activity changes. Even in more stubborn cases, treatments like physiotherapy or injections usually help. Surgery is rarely needed and has a high success rate. Stick with your treatment plan, and you can expect to get back to your normal activities.

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