Golfer’s Elbow

(Medial Epicondylitis)

What is golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is pain where the forearm tendons attach to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow.

The elbow joint is made up of three bones

• humerus – upper arm bone
• ulna – forearm bone
• radius – forearm bone

The bony bumps at the bottom of the humerus are called the epicondyles. The bump on the side closest to the body is called the medial epicondyle.

The tendons of the muscles that work to bend your wrist attach at the medial epicondyle.

Also known as

• Medial epicondylitis
• Wrist flexor tendinitis
• Elbow tendinitis

Golfer’s elbow is caused by overuse of the muscles that bend your fingers and wrist. When these muscles are overused, the tendons are repeatedly pulled where they attach to the bone. As a result, the tendons get inflamed and pain ensues.

Symptoms

Aching over the inner bony bump of the elbow. This may especially occur when the golf club misses the ball and hits the ground instead! 

Weakness when gripping objects

Tingling, pain or numbness in part of the hand.

Causes 

Golfer’s elbow is caused by overuse of the muscles that bend your fingers and wrist. When these muscles are overused, the tendons are repeatedly pulled where they attach to the bone. As a result, the tendons get inflamed. This commonly happens in sports such as golf, in throwing sports, and in racquet sports. It may also happen in work activities like carpentry or typing. If you have had tendinitis for a long time, scar tissue may develop in the tendon. This is called tendinosis.

Risk Factors

The following may contribute to the development of Golfer’s elbow:

Inadequate warming up prior to sporting activities

Improper technique during sporting activities

Incorrectly sized sporting equipment

Poor forearm flexibility

Investigations

It is usually diagnosed by examining your elbow. 

Sometimes scans are needed to rule out other problems that feel the same. This may include:

X-ray – this gives a picture of bony structures in the elbow

Bone scan – this can show up stress fractures if they are suspected to be present

Complications

Occasionally, Golfer’s elbow may result in:

Persistent pain or weakness

Rupture of muscles at the elbow (this is very rare)

Treatment 

Common ways to treat golfer’s elbow are: 

• Put ice packs on the elbow for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 or 3 days, or until the pain goes away. 
• For ice massage, freeze water in a paper cup, peel back the top and rub the ice over your elbow for 5 to 10 minutes. 
• Elevate the elbow when you are sitting or lying down. 
• Wrap an elastic bandage around the elbow to help keep it from swelling. 
• Wear a tennis elbow strap just below the tender spot on the elbow. This allows the forearm muscles to pull against the strap instead of against the bone. 
• Anti-inflammatory medicine may help. A steroid injection can ease pain for a few weeks, but the pain often comes back. 
• While you recover, switch to activities that do not make it worse. For example, walk instead of playing golf, or write things out by hand instead of typing. 
• Do elbow exercises as recommended by your provider. In severe cases, you may need surgery. 
• You can return to sporting activities as pain allows.

Seeking Advice

Your Family Doctor (GP)

Your GP (family doctor) can find out what is wrong and help treat it. Your GP can

• tell you about your problem
• tell you the best ways to treat it
• give you medicine if you need it
• send you to a specialist if you need one

Prevention 

Warming up before sport and cooling down afterwards may help prevent it. Using the right equipment and technique helps prevent this condition.

F.A.Q. | Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the effects last?

Recovery time depends on your age, health and any past injury. Recovery time also depends on the severity of the injury. A mild case may settle in a few weeks, but a bad one can take several months. This problem can sometimes be long-lasting and can even come back once you are better. You need to stop doing the activities that cause pain until the elbow has healed. If you keep doing things that cause pain, it will come back and take longer to heal. 

When can I return to my normal activities? 

Everyone heals at their own pace. When you go back depends on how your elbow is healing, not on how long it has been. In general, the longer you have had it before treatment, the longer it takes to get better. The aim is to get back to your normal activities as soon as it is safe. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury. You can go back when you can grip a bat or club firmly, or type at a keyboard, without elbow pain. There should be no swelling, and the elbow should be as strong as the other one. You must have full range of motion of your elbow.