Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a painful overuse condition affecting the tendons on the inside of the elbow. It develops when repetitive strain causes irritation and inflammation where the forearm muscles attach to the inner part of the elbow.

​

These muscles are responsible for wrist flexion and finger movement, meaning activities involving repeated gripping, lifting, throwing or wrist bending can place significant stress on the tendons over time.

​

Despite the name, golfer’s elbow does not only affect golfers. The condition is commonly seen in individuals involved in:

​

• manual work

• repetitive lifting

• racquet sports

• gym training

• repetitive gripping activities

• prolonged computer or tool use​

​

Without treatment, symptoms can gradually worsen and begin to interfere with everyday movement and arm function.

​

What Are the Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow?

Symptoms often develop gradually and may become more noticeable with activity.

​

Pain on the Inside of the Elbow

The most common symptom is pain and tenderness along the inner part of the elbow.

Pain may initially occur during activity but can later persist during rest or everyday movements.

​

Pain Radiating Into the Forearm

Discomfort may extend from the elbow down the forearm toward the wrist and hand.

​

Weak Grip Strength

Patients may notice weakness when:

• gripping objects

• lifting items

• shaking hands

• making a fist

​

Elbow Stiffness

The elbow may feel stiff, particularly after periods of inactivity or following repetitive use.

​

Numbness or Tingling

In some cases, irritation near the ulnar nerve may cause tingling or numbness affecting the ring and little fingers.

​

What Causes Golfer’s Elbow?

​

Golfer’s elbow is typically caused by repetitive stress placed on the forearm tendons over time.

Common contributing activities include:

​

• repetitive wrist bending

• lifting heavy objects

• throwing sports

• golf and racquet sports

• repetitive gripping

• manual labour

• use of vibrating tools

​

Poor technique, overtraining or inadequate recovery may also increase the risk of tendon irritation.

​

When Should You See a Specialist?

​

If elbow pain is persistent, worsening or beginning to affect daily activities, specialist assessment can help confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.

​

Early management can help reduce tendon damage, improve recovery and prevent longer-term symptoms.

​

At Midland Hand Clinic, we provide expert diagnosis and personalised treatment plans for golfer’s elbow and other elbow, tendon and upper limb conditions.

​

How Is Golfer’s Elbow Diagnosed?

​

Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed consultation and physical examination.

​

Your specialist will assess:

• areas of pain and tenderness

• elbow and wrist movement

• grip strength

• symptoms during resisted movement

​

You may be asked to perform simple wrist or gripping movements to reproduce symptoms and evaluate tendon irritation.

​

In some cases, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI scanning may be recommended to:

• confirm tendon inflammation

• assess tendon damage

• rule out alternative causes of elbow pain

​

How Is Golfer’s Elbow Treated?

​

Treatment focuses on:

• reducing pain and inflammation

• promoting tendon healing

• improving strength and flexibility

• restoring comfortable arm function

​

The most suitable treatment depends on:

• severity of symptoms

• duration of pain

• activity level

• response to previous treatment

​

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

​

Rest & Activity Modification

Reducing or modifying activities that aggravate symptoms is often one of the most important early steps in recovery.

​

Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

Targeted rehabilitation exercises can help:

• stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles

• reduce strain on the tendon

• improve long-term tendon function

​

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Medication may help relieve pain and reduce inflammation during flare-ups.

​

Steroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections may provide short-term pain relief in selected cases by reducing inflammation around the affected tendon.

​

Bracing & Supports

Elbow straps or forearm supports may sometimes help reduce tendon strain during activity.

 

Surgical Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow

​

Most patients improve with conservative treatment, but surgery may occasionally be recommended for persistent or severe cases that have not responded to non-surgical management.

​

Surgical treatment aims to remove damaged tendon tissue and improve tendon healing and function.

​

Mr G Shyamalan will discuss whether surgical treatment is appropriate based on your symptoms and examination findings.

​

Recovery From Golfer’s Elbow

​

Recovery times vary depending on:

• severity of tendon irritation

• duration of symptoms

• activity demands

• response to treatment

​

Many patients improve gradually with:

• rehabilitation exercises

• activity modification

• guided treatment programmes

​

Early treatment and appropriate rehabilitation can help reduce recurrence and improve long-term outcomes.

​

Expert Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Birmingham & Solihull

​

If you are experiencing ongoing elbow pain, weakness or difficulty performing daily activities, specialist assessment can help identify the underlying cause and guide the most effective treatment plan.

​

Mr G Shyamalan is an experienced consultant hand surgeon specialising in golfer’s elbow and upper limb conditions across Birmingham, Solihull, Sutton Coldfield and Warwickshire.

 

Contact Midland Hand Clinic today to arrange your private consultation and take the next step toward pain relief and restored arm function.