Golfer’s Elbow: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options
- 21 hours ago
- 11 min read
Golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, causes pain and tenderness where the forearm tendons attach to the inside of the elbow. It commonly develops from repetitive gripping, lifting, wrist movement or sports. Treatment often begins by reducing the movements causing pain, restoring comfortable motion and gradually rebuilding the tendon’s strength.
Hi, I’m Dr. Pat Walsh with Walsh Chiropractic and Physical Therapy of Hagerstown. I’ve been helping patients in the Hagerstown area since 2018.
A lot of patients come into the office with pain on the inside of the elbow. It can make holding objects, writing, lifting, turning a doorknob or even shaking someone’s hand surprisingly difficult.
Let’s talk about what golfer’s elbow is, why it happens and how we approach it in the office.
Watch: What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
In this video, Dr. Walsh explains the difference between golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow, why repetitive gripping and wrist movement can become painful and how the condition may be approached in the clinic.
Read the Full Video Transcript
A lot of patients come in with golfer’s elbow, so we’re going to take a couple of minutes today to talk about it.
I’m Dr. Walsh with Walsh Chiropractic and Physical Therapy of Hagerstown, located on the north side of town. I’ve been in Hagerstown since 2018, and I opened my clinic in 2020.
Let’s jump into it.
Golfer’s elbow is also called medial epicondylitis. If you haven’t watched my video about lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, check that one out. Golfer’s elbow is basically a similar problem on the opposite side of the elbow. It affects the medial, or inside, portion.
The reason it’s called golfer’s elbow has to do with what happens when a golfer hits the ground before the ball, sometimes called hitting the shot “fat.” As you accelerate through the swing, you’re putting force through the arm. When the club suddenly hits the ground, it stops quickly, but your body is still trying to continue through the movement.
That can create small areas of damage in the tissue around the inside of the elbow.
With tennis elbow, extending the wrist may be painful. With golfer’s elbow, wrist flexion is often painful. It can affect almost anything you do with your hand. It may become difficult to hold objects, move your hand around or even write.
Treatment is similar to what we use for tennis elbow. The area involves irritated or damaged connective tissue, so rest is one of the most important things you can do.
The difficult part is that this commonly affects the dominant arm. You use that hand more than the other one, so it can be difficult to truly rest it. Even something as simple as writing may become painful.
We may use light soft-tissue work, and I’ve also had success using dry needling with certain patients. We evaluate the elbow, make sure it is moving correctly and look for restrictions that may be contributing to the problem.
Golfer’s elbow can be frustrating because the pain may be very sharp and can last a long time. When symptoms continue for an extended period, I often find that the patient has not been able to rest the area enough.
I understand why. It’s your hand. You have things to do, and life doesn’t stop because your elbow hurts.
Recovery can be difficult to navigate depending on the severity of the condition and the activities you have to perform every day.
Depending on the patient, we may use joint adjustments, dry needling, soft-tissue treatment, heat or electrical stimulation. Heat can help with symptoms such as pain and tightness. Electrical stimulation may also help the surrounding tissue relax and support circulation to the area.
That is the basic idea behind golfer’s elbow. It is similar to lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, but it affects the medial, or inside, portion of the elbow.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is a condition involving the tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm to the bony area on the inside of the elbow.
Its medical name is medial epicondylitis.
Despite the “-itis” in its name, persistent cases are often better understood as a tendinopathy involving chronic tendon changes rather than inflammation alone. Repetitive stress can gradually irritate and damage the tendon instead of every case being caused by one sudden tear.
These muscles and tendons help you:
Bend your wrist
Grip and hold objects
Rotate your forearm
Control your fingers
Stabilize your wrist while lifting
That is why golfer’s elbow can interfere with so many everyday activities. You use these tissues almost every time you use your hand.
Where Does Golfer’s Elbow Hurt?
Golfer’s elbow usually causes pain or tenderness around the bony area on the inside of the elbow.
The discomfort may also spread into the forearm or toward the wrist. It often becomes more noticeable while gripping, lifting, bending the wrist or rotating the forearm. Some people also notice reduced grip strength.
Common symptoms include:
Pain on the inside of the elbow
Tenderness when touching the area
Pain while gripping or squeezing
Discomfort when bending the wrist
Weakness while holding objects
Pain while writing or using tools
Stiffness in the elbow or forearm
Difficulty turning a doorknob
Pain during golf, weightlifting or repetitive work
The pain may develop gradually or begin after a specific movement or injury.
Golfer’s Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow
Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are similar conditions, but they affect opposite sides of the elbow.
Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons attached to the inside of the elbow.
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow.
The easiest way to remember it is:
Inside elbow pain may point toward golfer’s elbow
Outside elbow pain may point toward tennis elbow
The location gives us an important clue, but elbow pain should still be properly evaluated. Not every case of inner-elbow pain is golfer’s elbow.
Why Is It Called Golfer’s Elbow?
The name comes from the strain that can occur during a golf swing.
Golfers sometimes describe hitting a shot “fat.” That means the club hits too much ground before making clean contact with the ball.
As the golfer accelerates through the swing, the club suddenly stops when it hits the ground. The hands, wrists and arms are still trying to continue through the movement.
That sudden force can overload the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Repeating that stress may eventually contribute to pain and tendon damage.
You do not have to play golf to get golfer’s elbow, though. Anyone who repeatedly grips, bends the wrist or rotates the forearm can develop it.
What Else Can Cause Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow can be connected to sports injuries, work, exercise or everyday activities.
Common triggers include:
Golf
Baseball and other throwing sports
Racket sports
Weightlifting
Construction work
Carpentry
Plumbing
Mechanical work
Gardening and yardwork
Repetitive tool use
Frequent lifting
Repeated gripping, twisting or squeezing
Poor technique, sudden increases in activity and repetitive movements performed for long periods can all place additional stress on the tendons.
The condition also commonly affects the dominant arm.
That makes sense. It is the hand you naturally use to write, carry things, open doors, use tools and complete most daily tasks.
Why Golfer’s Elbow Can Be So Frustrating
The difficult part is that life does not stop because your elbow hurts.
You still have to work. You still have to drive. You still have to cook, write, carry things and use your phone.
You cannot exactly send your dominant hand on vacation.
That makes the area difficult to rest. A patient may begin feeling better, return to normal activity too quickly and irritate the tendon all over again.
Rest does not always mean completely immobilizing the arm. It often means identifying and temporarily reducing the specific movements that are keeping the condition irritated.
What You Can Do When Inner-Elbow Pain Starts
When the pain first begins, try to avoid repeatedly aggravating it.
Helpful first steps may include:
Reduce movements that cause sharp pain
Avoid repeatedly gripping something just to “test” the elbow
Temporarily modify lifting, sports or work activities
Pay attention to wrist position while lifting
Avoid rushing into heavy strengthening during a painful flare-up
Write down which movements make the pain better or worse
Seek an evaluation if weakness, numbness or persistent pain develops
Do not try to force your way through sharp pain. Returning to full activity too quickly can aggravate the condition and prolong recovery.
How We Evaluate Pain on the Inside of the Elbow
The first step is determining whether the symptoms are actually coming from golfer’s elbow.
During an evaluation, we may look at:
Where the pain is located
When the symptoms began
What movements reproduce the pain
Your job, hobbies and sports
Grip strength
Wrist and elbow movement
Tenderness around the tendon
Whether numbness or tingling is present
Whether another joint or tissue may be contributing
A clinical history and physical examination are usually the starting point for evaluating medial elbow pain. The location of the symptoms and pain produced by specific movements can help distinguish golfer’s elbow from nerve problems and other causes of elbow pain.
X-rays may sometimes be used to rule out conditions involving the bone or joint. Ultrasound or MRI may be considered when symptoms are severe, unclear, related to a significant injury or not improving as expected.
How We Approach Golfer’s Elbow Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, how long the problem has been present and what activities continue to aggravate it.
The process generally follows several stages.
1. Identify and Reduce the Aggravating Movement
The first step is figuring out what continues to irritate the tendon.
That could be:
Gripping a tool
Lifting with the wrist bent
Repeating the same work movement
Swinging a golf club
Weight training
Typing or writing
Carrying heavy objects
We may recommend temporarily modifying those activities rather than simply telling you to stop using your arm altogether.
2. Calm the Irritated Area
When every movement is sharp and painful, I generally do not begin with aggressive strengthening exercises.
The initial goal is to reduce irritation and help you move more comfortably.
Depending on the patient, supportive care may include:
Gentle soft-tissue treatment
Heat
Electrical stimulation
Activity modification
Light, comfortable movement
Guidance on safer ways to perform daily tasks
These treatments are used as part of a broader plan. They are not a replacement for gradually rebuilding the tendon’s ability to handle activity.
3. Check Elbow and Arm Movement
We also evaluate how the elbow and surrounding joints are moving.
When appropriate, gentle chiropractic care and joint-mobility techniques may be used to address restricted movement and reduce unnecessary stress around the area.
The goal is not simply to chase the painful spot. We want to understand how the elbow, wrist, forearm and surrounding joints are working together.
4. Consider Dry Needling When Appropriate
I have also used dry needling in selected cases.
An umbrella review of dry-needling research found possible short-term pain benefits across several musculoskeletal conditions. However, the researchers also noted mixed results for physical function and limited evidence about medium- and long-term effects.
That means dry needling should not be presented as a stand-alone cure. Whether it is appropriate depends on the patient, the tissues involved, the severity of the symptoms and the overall treatment plan.
It is not something every patient automatically needs, and it should be performed by a properly trained healthcare professional.
5. Gradually Rebuild Strength
Once the pain begins settling, we can gradually introduce stretching, strengthening and physical therapy.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ exercise program for golfer’s elbow explains that structured exercises may support healing, improve muscle endurance and increase resistance to repetitive stress. Exercises should be selected based on the patient’s symptoms and completed under appropriate professional guidance.
6. Return to Normal Activity at the Right Pace
Feeling better does not always mean the tendon is ready for full activity.
We gradually reintroduce the movements involved in your work, sport or daily routine. Technique may also need to be corrected so the same problem does not keep returning.
The goal is not only to reduce pain. It is to help you safely return to the activities you need and want to perform.
The Most Important Part Is Usually Patience
Golfer’s elbow can take time to improve.
The tendon is involved in too many normal movements for recovery to happen overnight. Some cases improve relatively quickly, while persistent cases may take several months and experience occasional flare-ups.
The general goal is to:
Reduce the movements causing pain
Calm the irritated area
Restore comfortable motion
Gradually rebuild strength
Return to normal activity without immediately causing another flare-up
Trying to skip from step one to step five is where people often run into trouble.
When Should You Get Your Elbow Checked?
Consider scheduling an evaluation when:
The pain keeps returning
Your grip is becoming weaker
You cannot comfortably perform normal tasks
The pain is getting sharper or more frequent
Reducing activity has not helped
You cannot fully bend or straighten the elbow
The symptoms began after a sudden injury
The elbow is significantly swollen or bruised
You experience numbness or tingling
Numbness or tingling, especially in the ring or little finger, may mean the nearby ulnar nerve is involved. Ulnar nerve problems and other conditions should be considered when symptoms do not follow the typical golfer’s elbow pattern.
Seek prompt medical attention if the elbow appears deformed, cannot move after a significant injury or is warm and swollen along with a fever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get golfer’s elbow without playing golf?
Yes. Golfer’s elbow can develop from any activity involving repeated gripping, wrist bending, lifting or forearm rotation.
Where does golfer’s elbow hurt?
It usually causes pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. The discomfort may also extend into the forearm or wrist.
Is golfer’s elbow the same as tennis elbow?
No. Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside.
Should I completely stop using my arm?
Not necessarily. You may need to temporarily reduce or modify the specific activities aggravating the tendon. The appropriate amount of activity depends on your symptoms, work and daily responsibilities.
Can physical therapy help golfer’s elbow?
A gradual rehabilitation program may help restore flexibility, strength and tolerance to repetitive movement. The exercises should be matched to the severity and stage of the condition.
Should I stretch golfer’s elbow right away?
Gentle movement may be appropriate, but aggressive stretching or strengthening can aggravate a painful flare-up. It is best to have the condition evaluated and follow exercises selected for your situation.
How long does golfer’s elbow take to heal?
Recovery varies. Some cases improve within weeks, while persistent cases may take several months. Continuing to perform the activity that caused the problem can make recovery take longer.
Elbow Pain Is Hard to Ignore
Golfer’s elbow may sound like a minor injury, but it can interfere with nearly everything you do with your hand.
The important thing is identifying what continues to aggravate the tendon, developing an appropriate pain-relief plan and progressing back into activity at the right pace.
If you are dealing with pain on the inside of your elbow that is not improving, contact Walsh Chiropractic and Physical Therapy of Hagerstown.
We can evaluate the area, look at the movements causing your symptoms and develop a plan based on your work, hobbies and daily activities.
Walk-in chiropractic and physical therapy visits may also be available. Call ahead to check availability.
This article is intended for general educational purposes and does not provide an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for an evaluation of persistent, severe or worsening elbow symptoms.
Sources
Medial Epicondylitis, National Library of Medicine, StatPearls
Evaluation of Elbow Pain in Adults, American Family Physician
Therapeutic Exercise Program for Epicondylitis, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Clinical Effectiveness of Dry Needling in Patients With Musculoskeletal Pain, Journal of Clinical Medicine
Related Resources
Author Information
Written with and medically reviewed by Dr. Pat Walsh
Dr. Pat Walsh is the owner and chiropractor at Walsh Chiropractic and Physical Therapy of Hagerstown. He has been helping patients in the Hagerstown area since 2018 and opened his clinic in 2020.
