Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is inflammation of the tendons on the inner elbow, causing pain with gripping and wrist flexion.

Pain on the inner elbow that may radiate into the forearm, worsened by gripping, throwing, or flexing the wrist against resistance.

Repetitive wrist flexion and gripping, such as in golf, throwing sports, or manual labor, leads to microtears at the flexor tendon origin.

See a hand surgeon if inner elbow pain persists beyond several weeks despite rest and activity modification.

Clinical examination for tenderness over the inner elbow and pain reproduced with resisted wrist flexion.

Usually a clinical diagnosis; ultrasound or MRI can confirm tendon changes in persistent cases.

Activity modification, bracing, physiotherapy, and injections for symptomatic relief.

Surgery is considered when symptoms persist for six to twelve months despite conservative treatment.

Debridement of the damaged flexor tendon origin at the medial epicondyle.

Light activities resume within a few weeks; full return to sport typically takes three to six months.

Most patients achieve good relief of pain with conservative treatment or surgery.

Infection, incomplete relief of pain, and rarely injury to the nearby ulnar nerve.