GOLFERS ELBOW

Golfer's elbow is a condition involving pain and irritation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the inside of the elbow. Despite its name, it affects many people who have never played golf.

Medial Epicondylitis

It is similar to tennis elbow, but instead of affecting the tendons on the outside of the elbow, it affects the tendons on the inside (medial side).

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Causes of Golfer's Elbow

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Repetitive Gripping and Wrist Flexion

The condition usually develops from repeated use of the muscles responsible for:

• Gripping

• Wrist flexion (bending the wrist downward)

• Forearm pronation (turning the palm downward)

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Sports

Common sports associated with golfer's elbow include:

• Golf

• Baseball

• Tennis (especially topspin serves and forehands)

• Climbing

• Weightlifting

• Throwing sports

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Occupational Causes

Jobs involving repetitive hand and wrist use can contribute:

• Carpenters

• Plumbers

• Electricians

• Mechanics

• Construction workers

• Gardeners

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Gym and Fitness Activities

Exercises that may overload the tendon include:

• Heavy pulling exercises

• Chin-ups

• Rows

• Deadlifts with excessive grip demand

• Repetitive kettlebell training

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Sudden Increase in Activity

A rapid increase in:

• Training intensity

• Repetitions

• Workload can exceed the tendon's ability to recover.

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Poor Technique

Examples include:

• Incorrect golf swing mechanics

• Poor lifting form

• Repetitive tool use with awkward wrist positions

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Symptoms of Golfer's Elbow

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Pain on the Inside of the Elbow

The most common symptom is:

• Pain or tenderness over the bony bump on the inside of the elbow (medial epicondyle)

 

Pain During Gripping

Activities that often provoke symptoms:

• Handshakes

• Opening jars

• Carrying shopping bags

• Holding tools

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Pain with Wrist Movements

Particularly:

• Wrist flexion

• Turning a doorknob

• Twisting motions

• Lifting with the palm facing upward

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Forearm Pain

Pain may spread:

• Down the inner forearm

• Toward the wrist

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Weakness

Many people notice:

• Reduced grip strength

• Difficulty holding objects

• Faster forearm fatigue

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Stiffness

Especially:

• In the morning

• After periods of inactivity

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Numbness or Tingling (Sometimes)

The nearby ulnar nerve can occasionally become irritated, causing:

• Tingling in the ring finger and little finger

• Mild numbness in those fingers

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Common Activities That Trigger Symptoms

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People often report pain when:

• Swinging a golf club

• Throwing a ball

• Using hand tools

• Lifting weights

• Typing for prolonged periods

• Carrying heavy objects

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Golfer's Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow

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Golfer's Elbow                                   Tennis Elbow

Pain on inside of elbow                      Pain on outside of elbow

Involves wrist flexor tendons              Involves wrist extensor tendons

Pain with wrist flexion and gripping     Pain with wrist extension and gripping

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Conditions That Can Mimic Golfer's Elbow

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Other causes of inner elbow pain include:

• Ulnar nerve irritation (cubital tunnel syndrome)

• Elbow ligament injuries

• Referred pain from the neck

• Elbow arthritis

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When to Seek Medical Assessment

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See a healthcare professional if:

• Symptoms persist for several weeks

• Pain is worsening despite rest

• You develop significant weakness

• You experience persistent numbness or tingling

• Symptoms follow a major injury

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Typical Recovery

Most cases improve with:

• Activity modification

• Progressive strengthening exercises

• Load management

• Physical therapy

• Sometimes sports massage and deep tissue massage as part of a comprehensive treatment program

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Recovery can take weeks to several months, particularly if the tendon has been irritated for a long time.

If you'd like, I can also explain how sports massage and deep tissue massage help golfer's elbow, which muscles are treated, and the specific massage techniques commonly used.