Golfer’s Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Reviewed By:
Dr. Sameer Gohir PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN
Muhammad Asim Ishaque MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, Dip. MSK Medicine, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow. It is caused by damage to the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow (the medial epicondyle).

Despite the name, this condition isn’t limited to golfers; it commonly affects people who perform repetitive wrist and finger motions.

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Golfer’s Elbow

Common Causes of Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is typically caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the muscles and tendons that control the wrist and fingers. Common causes include:

  • Repetitive Motions: Activities involving repeated gripping, flexing the wrist, or swinging the arm, such as golfing, tennis, bowling, baseball, and certain occupations (carpentry, plumbing, typing).
  • Improper Technique: Using incorrect form during sports or activities can place excessive strain on the elbow tendons.
  • Insufficient Warm-up: Not properly preparing the muscles for activity can increase the risk of injury.
  • Weak Forearm Muscles: Weakness or inflexibility in the forearm muscles can lead to increased stress on the tendons.
  • Sudden Force: A sudden, forceful movement or impact can sometimes cause the condition.

Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

The primary symptom is pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow. This pain may radiate down the forearm towards the wrist. Other symptoms can include:

  • Stiffness in the elbow.
  • Weakness in the wrist and hand.
  • Numbness or tingling that may extend into one or more fingers (often the ring and little fingers).
  • Pain that worsens with certain movements, like swinging a golf club, gripping objects, or flexing the wrist.

Treatment Options for Golfer’s Elbow

Treatment for Golfer’s elbow aims to reduce pain and inflammation, promote healing, and restore normal function to the elbow. Treatment approaches often involve a combination of conservative methods.

  • Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain is crucial for allowing the tendons to heal.
  • Ice: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and swelling.
  • Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and inflammation.

Specific treatment options include:

  • Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist can design a program of exercises to stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles, improve flexibility, and teach proper techniques for activities to prevent recurrence. This may include eccentric exercises which are particularly beneficial for tendon issues.
  • Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It is believed to stimulate healing and relieve pain by influencing energy flow.
  • Shockwave Therapy: This non-invasive treatment delivers acoustic waves to the injured tissue. It is thought to stimulate a healing response by increasing blood flow and promoting tissue regeneration. It’s often used for chronic cases that haven’t responded to other treatments.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: An injection of a corticosteroid medication directly into the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain. While often providing rapid relief, they are typically used sparingly as a short-term solution and are not a long-term cure. Repeated injections may have potential side effects.

When to Seek Medical Advice

It is advisable to consult a doctor if:

  • The pain is severe.
  • Home treatments do not improve your symptoms.
  • You experience numbness or tingling that persists.
  • You are unable to bend or straighten your elbow.

Private Golfer’s Elbow Treatment for Persistent Inner-Elbow Pain

If medial elbow pain is persisting despite sensible activity modification, a private assessment can help confirm whether the problem is golfer’s elbow and identify loading, grip or technique factors that may be maintaining it.

Progressive rehabilitation is the main treatment pathway. Shockwave therapy may be considered for selected persistent cases at JIC clinics where it is available. A corticosteroid injection is not a routine first-line treatment for tendon pain and, if considered at all, should follow a discussion of short-term benefit, recurrence and tendon-related risks.

Golfer’s Elbow Treatment Near You

Dartford Clinic – North Kent & South East London

MSK Physiotherapy in Dartford

Shockwave Therapy in Dartford

Kings Hill Clinic — West Malling & Mid Kent

MSK Physiotherapy in Kings Hill

Shockwave Therapy in Kings Hill

Canterbury Clinic – East Kent & the Kent Coast

MSK Physiotherapy in Canterbury

Romford Clinic – East London & Essex

MSK Physiotherapy in Romford

Shockwave Therapy in Romford


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Frequently Asked Questions

An injection is not routinely the first choice for medial epicondylalgia. It may be discussed in selected cases, but rehabilitation and load management are usually more important for longer-term recovery.

Shockwave may be considered for selected persistent tendon pain that has not improved sufficiently with an appropriate rehabilitation programme. Suitability is assessed individually.

Persistent tingling can indicate irritation of the ulnar nerve rather than, or in addition to, golfer’s elbow. This should be assessed rather than treated as tendon pain automatically.

Other Elbow Conditions We Treat

Not sure whether your symptoms match this condition? Explore the other elbow pain conditions assessed and treated at JIC.