Golfer’s elbow, known medically as medial epicondylitis, is a form of tendonitis that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons connecting your forearm and elbow. When you repeatedly use your wrist and arm to bend, grasp or twist things, your tendons develop tiny tears that can cause wrist, elbow and forearm pain.
Overview
Golfer’s elbow is a condition that causes pain where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. The pain might spread into your forearm and wrist.
Golfer’s elbow is similar to tennis elbow, which occurs on the outside of the elbow. It’s not limited to golfers. Tennis players and others who repeatedly use their wrists or clench their fingers also can develop golfer’s elbow.
What’s the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
Like golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow has less to do with a sport than with repeatedly using your wrist and arm to throw, lift or pound. The difference is tennis elbow hurts on the outside of your elbow.
Symptoms
Golfer’s elbow is characterized by:
- Pain and tenderness. Usually felt on the inner side of your elbow, the pain sometimes extends along the inner side of your forearm. Pain typically worsens with certain movements.
- Stiffness. Your elbow may feel stiff, and making a fist might hurt.
- Weakness. You may have weakness in your hands and wrists.
- Numbness or tingling. These sensations might radiate into one or more fingers — usually the ring and little fingers.
Treatment
First, give your arm a break. Healthcare providers recommend you rest your arm for at least six weeks before playing sports or resuming the daily activities that put strain on your arm.
Other treatments are:
- Using ice on your forearm.
- Taking anti-inflammatory medication.
- Wearing a brace on your forearm.
- Wearing a night splint.
- Going to physical therapy.
- Massage or Acupuncture
Risk factors
You could be at higher risk of developing golfer’s elbow if you’re:
- Age 40 or older
- Performing repetitive activity at least two hours a day
- Obese
- A smoker
