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Golfer's Elbow

Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, involves tendon inflammation causing pain and weakness. Treatment includes rest, ice, medication, bracing, and physical therapy.
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What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is the inflammation of forearm muscle tendons on the inside part of the elbow joint. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, weakness, numbness, and stiffness, typically worsening when making a fist or grabbing an object. Overuse during club and racquet sports, throwing sports, weightlifting, and manual labor are common causes.

To treat golfer's elbow, a thorough medical history and physical examination are conducted, followed by a customized treatment plan. Rest and ice are often effective; however, if symptoms persist, additional options may be considered. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in oral and topical forms; bracing to relieve tendon pressure; physical therapy for muscle and tendon strengthening; and injections of steroids and numbing medications for pain relief. A combination of these treatments can help patients return to activities without recurring symptoms.


The arm and forearm bones come together to form the elbow joint. Many strong forearm muscle tendons insert on the medial (inside) part of the elbow joint. The inflammation of these tendons is called golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis. Symptoms include pain, tenderness, weakness, numbness, and stiffness. Symptoms present over the bony bump on the elbow. Symptoms typically increase when making a fist and grabbing an object. The most common cause of golfer’s elbow is overuse of the forearm during:

  • Club and racquet sports (golf, tennis, baseball)
  • Throwing sports
  • Weightlifting
  • Manual labor

To effectively treat golfer’s elbow, we first determines exactly what is causing it. A thorough medical history is obtained and a physical examination is performed. An official diagnosis is made and a customized treatment plan is prescribed.

How is Golfer’s Elbow Treated?

Rest and ice effectively treat many cases of golfer’s elbow.
A break from symptom causing activities calms inflammation. Ice application to the inner elbow speeds up the process. If rest and ice do not improve golfer’s elbow, other treatment options may be used. Common options include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Oral and topical medications that decrease inflammation and pain. NSAIDs are available in over-the-counter and prescription strengths.
  • Bracing. A brace takes pressure off the forearm tendons.
  • Physical therapy. Strengthening the forearm muscles and tendons decrease symptoms and prevent them from reoccurring.
  • Injections. An injection of steroid and numbing medications quickly decreases pain.

A combination of these treatment options decreases symptoms. Patients return to activities without having to worry about symptoms returning. 

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