What Is Golfer’s Elbow & Why Does Your Inner Elbow Hurt?

Do you feel pain on the inside of your elbow, especially when gripping, lifting, or swinging? You may have Medial Epicondylitis, more commonly known as Golfer’s Elbow. Despite the name, you don’t have to play golf to get it. This condition is caused by irritation of the tendons that attach to the inner elbow and can affect anyone who uses their hands and wrists repetitively.

The good news: with the right guided care, complete recovery is achievable.

What Is Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)?

Medial epicondylitis is an overuse injury where the tendons on the inside of the elbow become irritated or degenerate over time.

These tendons connect the forearm muscles, the ones responsible for gripping, twisting the wrist, and flexing the fingers, to a bony bump on the inside of your elbow called the medial epicondyle.

Golfer’s Elbow Anatomy

On the inner side of your elbow is the medial epicondyle, a small bony knob where the forearm flexor muscles attach. These muscles help you:

• Grip objects

• Rotate your wrist (like turning a doorknob)

• Flex your wrist and fingers
  

When the tendons attaching here are overused, overloaded, or weakened, tiny tears can develop. Instead of healing, they may degenerate, leading to pain and stiffness on the inner elbow.

Common Signs & Symptoms

Golfer’s Elbow usually causes:

• Pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow (especially when pressed)

• Pain when gripping, lifting, or twisting (e.g., shaking hands, turning a jar lid)

• Weak grip strength

• Stiffness in the elbow, sometimes worse in the morning

• Pain radiating into the forearm or wrist
  

Causes Of Medial Epicondylitis

Golfer’s Elbow happens when the forearm tendons are repeatedly strained. Common causes include:

• Repetitive gripping or wrist flexion (e.g., golf, tennis, throwing sports)

• Manual work (carpenters, plumbers, electricians, typists)

• Weight training with poor technique

• Sudden increase in activity without conditioning
  

Who Is Most At Risk?

Golfer’s Elbow can affect anyone, but it’s most common in:

• People aged 30–60

• Golfers, tennis players, and throwing athletes

• Tradespeople or desk workers with repetitive hand/wrist use

• People with weak forearm muscles or poor ergonomics
  

Treatment Options: Physio & Chiro Care

Most cases respond well to conservative treatment.

Physio & Chiro approaches may include:

• Targeted exercise therapy — eccentric and strengthening exercises for forearm muscles

• Manual therapy — soft tissue release, joint mobilisation, and stretching

• Activity modification — reducing repetitive strain until tendons heal

• Bracing or taping — forearm straps can reduce load on the tendon

• Shockwave therapy — may help chronic tendon irritation

• Education — correcting technique in sport, work, or lifting
  

Self-care tips:

• Rest from aggravating activities, but keep the arm gently moving

• Apply ice packs in the early stages for pain relief

• Stretch forearm muscles gently

• Gradually reintroduce gripping/lifting with guidance
  

Do I Need Scans?

Most people don’t need imaging straight away. Diagnosis is usually based on history and examination.

Scans may be considered if:

• Pain persists despite treatment

• A tendon tear is suspected

• Another elbow condition needs ruling out
  

Options include:

• Ultrasound — can show tendon changes

• MRI — best for detailed tendon assessment
  

Specialist Referral & Injection Options

If symptoms don’t improve with physiotherapy or chiropractic care, your GP or sports doctor may recommend:

• Corticosteroid injections — for short-term pain relief (though may not help long-term tendon healing)

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections — newer treatment to promote tendon repair

• Surgery — rarely required, usually only for severe tendon degeneration or tears
  

FAQs: Golfer’s Elbow

Is Golfer’s Elbow the same as Tennis Elbow?
No. Both are tendon problems of the elbow, but Tennis Elbow affects the outside (lateral epicondylitis), while Golfer’s Elbow affects the inside.

How long does it take to heal?
Mild cases can improve in a few weeks. Chronic cases may take 3–6 months with proper rehab.

Should I stop exercising?
Not completely. You may need to modify workouts, but guided strengthening is key for recovery.

Can Golfer’s Elbow come back?
Yes, if the underlying cause (weakness, poor technique, repetitive overload) isn’t addressed. Preventative exercises are important.

Get The Right Treatment With Spinal & Sports Care

Golfer’s Elbow isn’t just a problem for golfers — it can affect anyone who repetitively grips, lifts, or twists with their hands and wrists. The condition is best managed by gradually strengthening the forearm and improving technique or ergonomics, rather than relying on rest alone. With the right treatment plan, most people make a full recovery and return to normal activity without long-term issues. Reach out to our team today for a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.