What is golfer's elbow?
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is overuse injury of the flexor tendons attaching to the inner (medial) elbow. Less common than tennis elbow but similar approach.
Like tennis elbow, only a minority of cases come from golf — most from work or other activities. Conservative treatment effective for most.
Do I have golfer's elbow? Common signs
If most of these describe what you're experiencing, telehealth may be a good next step:
What causes it
Repetitive wrist flexion, pronation, gripping — micro-tears in flexor pronator origin. Golf backswing impact, baseball pitching, weight training (grip-intensive), keyboard/mouse use.
Is it contagious?
No.
Eccentric strengthening exercises are the standard of care — and they work better than rest alone.
Can it be treated online?
Routine golfer's elbow is well-suited to telehealth. Treatment-resistant cases or symptoms suggesting ulnar nerve involvement may need in-person evaluation.
How golfer's elbow is treated
Similar to tennis elbow. Rest from triggering activity. NSAIDs. Counterforce brace. Eccentric strengthening — wrist flexion exercises. Physical therapy. Ice after activity. Steroid injection for severe pain (short-term relief). Surgery rarely needed.
Self-care while you wait
- Stop or modify aggravating activity
- Counterforce brace
- NSAIDs short-term
- Ice after activity
- Eccentric exercises — wrist flexion
- Stretches: wrist extension stretch
- Modify grip and technique
- Strengthening when acute pain resolves
How long does it last?
6–12 months for full resolution.
Frequently asked questions
Is it the same as tennis elbow?
Different location — golfer's is medial (inside), tennis is lateral (outside). Similar treatment approach.
Will it get better with rest alone?
Some improvement but often slow. Active rehab (eccentric exercises) speeds recovery.
Should I stop golfing?
Modify swing technique, consider lesson on grip. Reduce frequency until symptoms improve.
What about ulnar nerve symptoms?
Numbness in pinky and ring finger suggests ulnar nerve involvement — needs evaluation.
Will steroid injection help?
Short-term relief. May not improve long-term outcomes. Save for refractory pain.
