Golfer's Elbow

Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a painful overuse condition affecting the flexor-pronator tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle — the bony bump on the inner side of the elbow. Like tennis elbow, it is not limited to golfers and can affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping, wrist flexion, or forearm pronation.

Causes and Risk Factors

Golfer's elbow results from repetitive stress to the flexor-pronator muscle group, causing microscopic tendon degeneration at the medial epicondyle. Activities that commonly cause it include golf, baseball pitching, racquet sports, weightlifting, and occupations involving repetitive tool use.

It is important to distinguish golfer's elbow from cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve compression), which can cause similar inner elbow pain but also produces numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers.

Treatment

Conservative treatment is effective for most patients and includes rest, activity modification, a medial counterforce brace, physical therapy, and NSAIDs. Corticosteroid or PRP injections can provide significant relief.

Surgical treatment is reserved for cases that fail 6–12 months of conservative care. Dr. Kinchelow performs debridement of the degenerated tendon tissue at the medial epicondyle, with concurrent ulnar nerve transposition if nerve involvement is present.

Common Symptoms

Pain and tenderness on the inner elbow
Pain with wrist flexion or forearm rotation
Weak grip strength
Stiffness in the elbow
Numbness or tingling into the ring and little fingers
Pain that worsens with throwing or swinging

Treatment Options

Rest and activity modification
Medial counterforce brace
Physical therapy and eccentric strengthening
NSAIDs
Corticosteroid or PRP injection
Surgical debridement
Ulnar nerve transposition if indicated

Ready to Get Help?

Dr. Kinchelow specializes in treating golfer's elbow. Schedule a consultation today.

Request Appointment (954) 635-5300