Golfer’s Elbow: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, medically known as Medial Epicondylitis, is a form of tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon) that affects the inside of the elbow, where your wrist flexor muscles attach. Despite its name, this condition isn’t limited to golfers—it can impact anyone who frequently engages in activities that strain the forearm muscles. Repetitive gripping and wrist flexion are common causes, making it a concern for athletes and non-athletes alike.
Is Golfer’s Elbow an Injury?
Doctors often describe golfer’s elbow as an “overuse” injury, but it is actually a condition that develops over time rather than a single traumatic event. The medial epicondyle, a bony bump on the inner elbow, serves as the attachment site for several wrist flexor muscles that play a crucial role in gripping, wrist flexing, and even daily activities like sleeping with your hand under your head.
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
Recognizing the symptoms early can help with proper treatment and recovery:
- Pain and Tenderness – Discomfort on the inside of the elbow, which may radiate into the forearm.
- Weakness – Decreased grip strength, making everyday tasks such as turning a doorknob or shaking hands difficult or painful.
- Stiffness – Stretching the wrist may increase or relieve symptoms at the medial elbow.
What Causes Golfer’s Elbow?
While repetitive motions in golf, such as gripping a club or swinging, are well-known triggers, several other activities can contribute to this condition:
- Sports Activities – Pickleball, tennis, weightlifting, and throwing sports place repetitive stress on the wrist flexors.
- Work-Related Tasks – Jobs that require frequent gripping, tool use, or prolonged keyboard typing.
- Aging – Over time, muscles and tendons wear down, sometimes requiring strengthening exercises to prevent injury.
Golfer’s Elbow Treatment Options
Effective treatment can help relieve pain and prevent further damage:
- Rest and Ice – Reducing activity and applying ice can decrease inflammation.
- Physical Therapy – Stretching and strengthening exercises can aid recovery and prevent future occurrences.
- Dry Needling & Bracing – Additional treatments that may provide relief.
- Gradual Strengthening – A structured program helps build tolerance to stress and equips muscles for repetitive movements.
Preventing Golfer’s Elbow
To prevent recurrence, incorporating targeted exercises, proper technique, and progressive strength training is key. With physical therapy, many individuals return to their normal activities stronger and better prepared for repetitive tasks.
Final Thoughts
While golfer’s elbow might seem like a sport-specific condition, it affects a wide range of individuals. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help you manage and prevent this condition—allowing you to stay active and pain-free in the long run. For more information on how physical therapy can help golfer’s elbow, please reach out to us at one of our 5 physical therapy clinics in Arizona.
For more details, visit: Mayo Clinic – Golfer’s Elbow
