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Golfer's elbow
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Golfer's elbow at HCA UK
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With 97% of patients likely to recommend us, you can be confident you're in trusted hands. Our expert orthopaedic team includes dedicated shoulder and elbow specialists who can tailor your treatment to your specific injury or condition. We use the latest imaging technology to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. We're here to support you at every stage.
Medial epicondylitis is the medical name for golfer's elbow. Epicondylitis is a repetitive strain injury to the tendons (tendonitis) that connect the flexor muscles in your forearm to your elbow. Despite its common name, this is not an injury only for those who play golf. Any activity that overuses the forearm muscles, especially motions that flex the wrist inwards, may cause medial epicondylitis.
It may occur as a result of forceful swinging of the arms to play a golf shot or bowl a cricket ball, but it can also arise when using power tools, carrying heavy loads or doing manual labour. The condition is more common in the dominant arm, as it is more frequently used.
It may occur as a result of forceful swinging of the arms to play a golf shot or bowl a cricket ball, but it can also arise when using power tools, carrying heavy loads or doing manual labour. The condition is more common in the dominant arm, as it is more frequently used.
No, they are not the same. Golfer’s elbow shouldn’t be confused with tennis elbow. This is a slightly different condition called lateral epicondylitis with similar causes and symptoms to golfer's elbow, but it affects the outside of the forearm.
The flexor muscles and tendons in your arm control movement in your wrist and fingers, so it is often issues with these areas that are the root cause of golfer's elbow.
Flexor tendons are connected to the bony protrusion on the inside of your elbow (the medial epicondyle). A repeated action (such as swinging a golf club) or overexertion through this area (like attempting to lift a heavy suitcase) can result in small tears forming in the tendons as the muscles stretch beyond their limits.
These tears can cause pain, while the area is likely to become inflamed as part of the body's natural response to the injury. This can also cause discomfort.
Flexor tendons are connected to the bony protrusion on the inside of your elbow (the medial epicondyle). A repeated action (such as swinging a golf club) or overexertion through this area (like attempting to lift a heavy suitcase) can result in small tears forming in the tendons as the muscles stretch beyond their limits.
These tears can cause pain, while the area is likely to become inflamed as part of the body's natural response to the injury. This can also cause discomfort.
The symptoms of golfer's elbow include:
- Pain that radiates from the inner part of your forearm, just below the elbow
- A weakened grip strength or increased pain when gripping items
- Numbness and tingling in the fingers, especially the ring and little finger
- Stiffness in the elbow joint
Symptoms of golfer's elbow can also be signs of several other conditions, so discussing your experiences with a doctor is the best way to work out how to treat golfer's elbow.
If you have tried to manage the symptoms yourself and still experience pain, our specialists can provide the most effective therapies, including physiotherapy and potentially surgery for golfer's elbow.
If you have tried to manage the symptoms yourself and still experience pain, our specialists can provide the most effective therapies, including physiotherapy and potentially surgery for golfer's elbow.
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and perform a physical exam to assess the range of motion in your arm and wrist by manipulating them into different positions.
They'll ask you about how it makes you feel, and they may recommend an ultrasound scan or an MRI scan to rule out other conditions or assess the extent of your injury.
They'll ask you about how it makes you feel, and they may recommend an ultrasound scan or an MRI scan to rule out other conditions or assess the extent of your injury.
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Golfer's elbow tests and scans at HCA UK
Get diagnosed and receive treatment quickly
Your consultant will first assess your medical history and discuss your symptoms with you. A physical examination, which checks for swelling, stiffness and any pain around the elbow joint during movement, should provide much of the information needed to diagnose golfer's elbow.
In some cases, additional testing may be necessary to rule out nerve damage, arthritis or fractures that could cause pain. This may include:
- X-rays
- MRI scans
- CT scans
- Ultrasound scans
- Electromyography (EMG)
Golfer's elbow treatments at HCA UK
Expert treatment focused on you
Golfer's elbow heals naturally over time for the vast majority of people. However, if your symptoms persist or you want to return to full fitness more quickly, it is a treatable condition. The treatment options for golfer's elbow include:
- Non-surgical treatments, such as rest, changing activities, elbow supports and braces
- Medications
- Steroid and PRP injections
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Medial epicondylitis surgery
- Elbow arthroscopy
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Golfer's elbow FAQs
There are a number of non-surgical treatments for golfer's elbow, including:
- RICE: Rest, ice, compression and elevation. These will help your tendons recover and manage any inflammation around the joint.
- Changing activities: No golfer ever wants to spend time away from the course, but if your symptoms affect your swing or even your everyday life, a period of less strenuous activity is vital to allow your joints time to recover.
- Medication: Taking painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help you manage any discomfort and may help alleviate some of the swelling in the elbow joint.
- Wear a brace: Small strappings specifically designed to aid golfer's elbow are available. They work by applying gentle pressure to the affected area, providing support as you perform the motion that previously caused pain.
- Cortisone or PRP injections: A steroid called cortisone can relieve joint pain when injected into the affected area. It works as an anti-inflammatory and can counter any swelling in your tendons. Platelet-rich plasma injections work by promoting faster healing by adding naturally occurring substances found in the blood into the area causing you pain.
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy: This is a non-invasive way of applying sound waves to your elbow to help heal it.
Yes, we offer physiotherapy for golfer's elbow. Our experts can recommend a course of physical therapy that includes exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the damaged tendon and maintain joint flexibility. Some exercises they may suggest are:
- Forearm rotation
- Wrist stretches
- Forearm stretches
- Eccentric strengthening
If chronic golfer's elbow treatment has not eased your symptoms or you are in significant discomfort, your consultant may recommend medial epicondylitis surgery.
The operation may be performed via elbow arthroscopy (keyhole surgery), where the surgeon uses a camera to see the inside of your joint, or by open surgery, where a slightly larger incision provides the surgeon with access to the affected area.
Your consultant will discuss anaesthetic options with you. General anaesthetic (you are put to sleep) is common for this kind of procedure; however, if opting for a local anaesthetic, you will not feel any pain during the procedure and will avoid any side effects of general anaesthetic, such as nausea.
Your surgeon will remove the damaged area of your tendon and perform any necessary repairs to promote healing and a strong connection between your tendon and the elbow bone.
You will likely undergo this surgery as a day case, so you will be able to go home on the same day, although you will need to arrange transport as you won't be able to drive after the operation. You will be given some exercises to help you recover from the surgery, with a full recovery likely in around three months.
There are some steps you can take to prevent golfer's elbow, including:
- Improve form: Be mindful of how you perform each task. Keep your wrist as straight as possible to reduce strain on your forearm muscles and tendons. If your golf swing is causing you issues, discuss your technique with a coach.
- Strengthen the muscles: Exercises that target the forearm muscles may help you prevent golfer's elbow.
- Warm up and stretch: Prepare your forearms for work before every round, practice or match. A quick stretch before can also stop symptoms from developing.
- Check equipment: Heavy sporting equipment, such as golf clubs and tennis rackets, may increase your risk of developing this condition. If you're able to replace them with lighter alternatives, it will put less strain on the tendons while you play.
Golfer's elbow is a condition that can heal over time without any treatment, although it will likely take much longer. If you don't take steps to treat the condition and continue activities that cause you pain and discomfort, you are almost certain to aggravate the issue and potentially cause significant damage to the muscles and tendons in your forearm.
No, arthritic conditions are inflammatory diseases that may be caused by damage to the cartilage in joints (osteoarthritis) or autoimmune issues (rheumatoid arthritis). Golfer's elbow is a form of tendonitis, as symptoms are caused specifically by damage to the tendons in your arm.
If you do not attempt to treat golfer's elbow and also opt not to reduce the activities that cause your symptoms, you are likely to continuously experience the condition. Treatment, both conservative and more invasive, has a very strong likelihood of being effective in curing golfer's elbow.
Golfer's elbow and tennis elbow are forms of epicondylitis. Golfer's elbow affects the medial (inner) part of your joint, while tennis elbow is an issue with the lateral (outer) part. Symptoms of the two conditions are similar, albeit affecting different areas of the arm, while treatment options are also similar for both conditions.
Pain associated with golfer's elbow may radiate towards the shoulder. Attempting to continue activities despite experiencing symptoms may also put extra strain on your shoulder joint and could potentially lead to further injury in this part of your arm.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be able to continue playing golf despite experiencing golfer's elbow. A brace may provide the support you need to keep playing. However, if playing golf is exacerbating your symptoms, it's recommended that you stop playing for a short while.
Using smaller weights may aid your recovery from golfer's elbow, or you could use them as part of preventative measures. However, if you are suffering from significant symptoms of golfer's elbow, excessive resistance training is likely to increase your symptoms.
If you do undergo surgery for golfer's elbow, the procedure typically takes around an hour. You will be in the hospital as a day patient and can go home afterwards.
Our patient stories
An Olympian effort: Chris’ fast-track to recovery
When Chris was told the surgery he needed on his shoulder would likely make him unable to compete professionally in 2023, Chris dug deep into those reserves and hoped he could excel once more.
“When I called him, I expected to have to wait months. But he invited me back down the next day. It was the quickest I'd ever seen a consultant.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.