Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)

Golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, causes pain and inflammation on the inside of the elbow where forearm tendons attach to bone. Despite the name, you don't need to play golf to develop this condition. It can affect anyone whose work, hobbies or sports involve repetitive wrist, hand or forearm motion, making everyday tasks like gripping or lifting uncomfortable.

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3D illustration of arm muscles, labeled with names like triceps, biceps and radius.

Anatomy of the elbow

The elbow is a complex joint formed by the upper arm bone, called the humerus, and the two forearm bones, the radius and ulna. Several tendons attach the muscles of the forearm to bony areas on each side of the elbow. On the inner side, the flexor tendons let you bend your wrist, grip objects and perform fine motor tasks.

When these tendons face repeated stress, small tears can develop where the tendon attaches to the bone. Over time, this irritation and tissue damage can lead to pain, tenderness, stiffness and weakness, the primary symptoms of golfer's elbow.

Overview

Symptoms

You may be experiencing golfer's elbow if you notice:

Pain or tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
Stiffness or pain when making a fist or bending the wrist
Weakness in the hand or forearm
Numbness or tingling that may extend into the ring and little fingers
Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting or twisting motions

Symptoms may begin subtly and worsen over time, particularly without rest or treatment.

Causes

Golfer's elbow often develops gradually, but it may also appear after a sudden increase in activity. Common causes include:

Repetitive wrist or finger movements, such as gripping or twisting
Sports that involve forceful gripping or wrist flexion, including golf, baseball, tennis or weightlifting
Improper technique during sports or strength training
Occupational strain from activities such as carpentry, painting, typing or assembly work
Inadequate warm-up or poor muscle conditioning

Identifying the cause of your symptoms allows our specialists to tailor a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and helps prevent recurrence.

Risk factors

Certain factors can make golfer's elbow more likely to develop, though having one or more of these does not mean you'll experience the condition:

Participating in sports or activities that involve repetitive gripping or wrist motion
Working in occupations that require repetitive forearm movement
Poor conditioning or inadequate warm-up before activity
Improper technique during sports or strength training
Age-related changes in tendon flexibility and strength

Knowing your risk factors can help your care team guide you toward safer habits and an appropriate treatment plan.

Diagnosis

Our orthopedic and sports medicine specialists take a patient-centered approach to diagnosing golfer's elbow. Your evaluation may include a discussion of your symptoms, activities and medical history, along with a physical examination to assess tenderness, strength and range of motion. X-rays may be used to rule out arthritis or other bone conditions, and ultrasound or MRI imaging may be recommended when needed to evaluate tendon health — visit sports injury and evaluation to learn more. We explain your diagnosis clearly and answer your questions, so you feel confident about your next steps.

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