Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylalgia)
Why does the inside of my elbow hurt when I grip or lift?
Pain where the forearm flexor tendons attach on the inside of the elbow. Load management and progressive strengthening are the mainstays.
What it feels like
Pain on the bony point on the inside of the elbow, worse with gripping, lifting with the palm up, throwing or swinging. The forearm may feel weak.
What is actually happening
The tendons that bend the wrist and turn the palm down attach at the inside of the elbow. Repeated or increased loading can make them painful and less tolerant of load. The ulnar nerve runs close by, so tingling into the ring and little fingers needs to be assessed separately.
How it is assessed
Assessment includes tenderness at the inside of the elbow, pain with resisted wrist and forearm movements, grip strength, a screen of the ulnar nerve and the neck, and a look at the work, sport or gym loading involved.
How it is treated
Research on golfer’s elbow is limited, and most treatment is borrowed from tennis elbow research. Conservative care is the usual first approach: easing off aggravating loads, progressive strengthening of the forearm and grip, and, where useful, mobilisation and adjustments to technique or equipment. If symptoms persist despite a well-run programme, referral to a physician may be discussed.
What to do first
Ease off the grip-heavy activities that provoke it rather than stopping everything, and have it assessed to start a strengthening plan.
Where this is assessed
- Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres Yonge & Eglinton · Mon/Wed/Fri · 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Book at Athlete's Care
- Push Pounds Sports Medicine Downtown Toronto · Tue/Thu · 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM Call Push Pounds to book
References
This page is based on the following clinical practice guidelines and research.