Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow, also known as pitcher’s elbow or medial epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that causes pain on the inside of your elbow, as well as in your forearms and wrists. This pain develops when the elbow tendons become irritated or damaged due to repetitive motions.
Not a golfer or pitcher? Despite its name, golfer’s elbow can affect anyone. More than 90% of cases of medial epicondylitis are unrelated to sports. Without treatment, medial epicondylitis can lead to long-term pain and limit your ability to perform everyday activities.
Summit Orthopedics’ elbow specialists provide expert diagnosis and treatment for golfer’s elbow at locations throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is a type of tendinitis, which means inflammation or swelling of the tendons. In medial epicondylitis, the inflammation occurs in tendons connected to the medial epicondyle—the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. These tendons help control forearm, wrist and finger movements. When you overuse these muscles, small tears develop in the tendons, leading to pain, stiffness and swelling.
Golfer’s elbow is usually not a serious condition, but it can cause pain and swelling and affect your ability to grip, lift or throw. If you ignore it, it may get worse and lead to long-term problems, such as ongoing pain and reduced range of motion.
Another type of epicondylitis, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) affects the tendons on the outer part of your elbow.
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow can cause many symptoms, including:
- Decreased grip strength
- Pain and tenderness when gripping, writing, lifting, pulling, twisting, opening jars or throwing
- Pain or tenderness on your elbow inner that may extend down your forearm to the wrist and fingers
- Stiff elbow, especially when trying to move your arm, hands or fingers
- Tingling or numbness in the elbow that spreads to your fingers
These symptoms can appear suddenly or gradually and may worsen over time if untreated.
Causes and Risk Factors
Golfer’s elbow occurs when you overuse or strain your forearm muscles and tendons. Certain factors can increase your risk of developing the condition. These include:
- Age: Golfer’s elbow most commonly develops in adults between 40 and 60 years old.
- Health and lifestyle conditions: Smoking, obesity, high cholesterol levels and having diabetes can also increase your risk for golfer’s elbow.
- Lack of exercise: Weak muscles may be more prone to injury when exposed to repeated stress.
- Repetitive activities: Jobs and hobbies tasks that require repeated hand and wrist motions, such as painting, plumbing and cooking, can increase your risk.
- Sports technique: Using improper form in sports can strain your tendons and lead to injury.
When to See a Doctor
Treatment starts with visiting your doctor, which you should do when:
- Pain persists despite rest and home treatment.
- The elbow joint becomes swollen or feels unstable.
- The pain affects your ability to work, play sports, or perform daily activities.
- You experience numbness or tingling in your fingers.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI, to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other conditions.
Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow
Treating golfer’s elbow focuses on reducing your pain, promoting healing and preventing further injury. Several treatment options can help you recover:
- Brace or splint: Wearing a wrist or elbow brace can reduce strain on the tendons and provide support during recovery.
- Golfer’s elbow exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore flexibility and strengthen the affected muscles, helping the healing process.
- Ice therapy: Apply ice packs to the inner elbow for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce swelling.
- Lift less: Reduce the amount of weight you lift or carry
- Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can ease pain and swelling.
- Rest: Golfer’s elbow can heal on its own if you rest the affected arm and avoid activities that worsen the pain.
Most people improve with these treatments, but if your symptoms continue or worsen, your doctor may recommend other options like formal hand therapy or injections. People rarely need surgery for golfer’s elbow and, typically, surgery is recommended only if the condition doesn’t respond to other treatments.
If you continue to use the injured joint without rest or treatment, your condition may worsen, leading to ongoing pain, swelling and decreased range of motion.
Recovering From Golfer’s Elbow
The recovery time for golfer’s elbow varies depending on how badly the tendons are injured. Mild cases may feel better within a few weeks, while more severe cases can take up to 12+ months to fully heal. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice and not rush back into activities that could re-injure your elbow.
Start your journey to better function and less pain. Find your Summit Orthopedics elbow expert, request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.
