Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

What is Golfer's Elbow?

Golfer's Elbow, medically known as Medial Epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury affecting the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. Despite its name, this condition is not limited to golfers—it can affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping, lifting or wrist movements.

Golfer's Elbow occurs when repeated stress causes small tears and degeneration in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the medial epicondyle, the bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow. Over time, this results in pain, reduced grip strength and difficulty performing routine tasks.

Although it shares similarities with Tennis Elbow, the two conditions affect different sides of the elbow:

Golfer's Elbow – Pain on the inner side of the elbow
Tennis Elbow – Pain on the outer side of the elbow

At the Elbow & Sports Injury Centre, Dr. Anand Jadhav offers comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment for Golfer's Elbow, helping patients return to work, sports and everyday activities with confidence.

What Causes Golfer's Elbow?

The condition usually develops due to repetitive strain on the forearm muscles and tendons. It may also occur after a direct injury to the elbow. Common causes include:

Golf
Cricket
Tennis
Badminton
Weight training
Gardening
Painting
Carpentry and hammering
Typing and computer work
Repetitive lifting
Throwing sports

Poor technique, inadequate warm-up and inappropriate equipment can increase the risk of developing this condition.

Symptoms of Golfer's Elbow

Patients may experience:

Pain on the inner side of the elbow
Tenderness over the bony prominence
Pain while gripping or lifting objects
Weak grip strength
Pain that radiates into the forearm or wrist
Elbow stiffness
Discomfort during sports or repetitive activities

Symptoms often begin gradually and worsen if left untreated.

When Should You See a Specialist?

Seek medical advice if:

Pain persists for more than two to three weeks
Daily activities become difficult
Grip strength is reduced
Symptoms interfere with work or sports
Rest and simple painkillers do not provide relief

Early treatment can prevent chronic tendon damage and speed recovery.

Diagnosis of Golfer's Elbow

A detailed assessment includes a comprehensive medical history, clinical examination, evaluation of grip strength and wrist movements, assessment of elbow tenderness and functional testing.

If required, additional investigations may include:

Digital X-rays
Ultrasound scan
MRI scan

These tests help confirm the diagnosis and exclude other causes of elbow pain such as arthritis, fractures or ligament injuries.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Golfer's Elbow

The majority of patients improve without surgery.

Activity Modification

Reducing or temporarily avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms allows the tendon to recover.

Ice Therapy

Applying ice packs for 15–20 minutes several times a day helps reduce pain and inflammation.

Medication

Short-term anti-inflammatory medication may help relieve pain during the early stages.

Bracing

A counterforce brace or wrist support may reduce strain on the affected tendon during activity.

Physiotherapy

A structured rehabilitation programme focuses on:

Stretching exercises
Progressive strengthening
Eccentric tendon loading
Grip strengthening
Correction of movement patterns

Technique Correction

Athletes and golfers may benefit from professional coaching to improve technique and reduce stress on the elbow.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

For persistent symptoms, PRP injections may be recommended. PRP uses the patient's own blood-derived growth factors to promote tendon healing and reduce pain, making it a valuable option before considering surgery.

When is Surgery Required for Golfer's Elbow?

Surgery is considered only when symptoms persist despite comprehensive non-surgical treatment, typically after 6–12 months.

The procedure involves removing unhealthy tendon tissue, improving the local blood supply and stimulating healing. The aim is to relieve pain, restore function and allow patients to return to their normal activities.

Recovery After Surgery

Following surgery:

Pain is managed with appropriate medication
Ice therapy helps reduce swelling
Early elbow movement is encouraged
Physiotherapy is started to restore flexibility and strength
Return to sports and heavy work is gradual and based on recovery progress

Most patients experience significant improvement in pain and function with appropriate rehabilitation.

Preventing Golfer's Elbow

You can reduce your risk by:

Warming up before sports
Strengthening the forearm muscles
Improving sporting technique
Using correctly fitted sports equipment
Taking regular breaks during repetitive work
Gradually increasing training intensity
Maintaining flexibility of the wrist and forearm

Why Choose Dr. Anand Jadhav?

With over 30 years of orthopaedic experience and 12 years of specialist practice in the NHS, United Kingdom, Dr. Anand Jadhav specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of elbow disorders and sports injuries. His expertise includes:

Golfer's Elbow
Tennis Elbow
Sports Elbow Injuries
PRP Therapy
Elbow Arthroscopy
Tendon Repair Procedures
Comprehensive Sports Rehabilitation

Every patient receives an individualised treatment plan focused on relieving pain, restoring function and enabling a safe return to work, recreation and sports.

Relieve Pain • Restore Strength • Return to an Active Lifestyle

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Golfer's Elbow only seen in golfers?

No. It is commonly seen in people who perform repetitive gripping or wrist movements, including manual workers, office professionals, racquet sport players and weightlifters.

Can Golfer's Elbow heal without surgery?

Yes. Most patients improve with rest, physiotherapy, activity modification and, in selected cases, PRP injections.

How long does it take to recover from Golfer's Elbow?

Mild cases may improve within 6 to 12 weeks, while chronic cases can take several months. Recovery after surgery usually requires a structured rehabilitation programme over 3 to 6 months.