Golfer’s Elbow
What is Medial Epicondylitis?
Medial epicondylitis, more commonly known as golfer’s elbow, is a condition that causes pain on the inside of the elbow. It happens when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the inner part of the elbow become irritated or damaged. This irritation can start out as mild inflammation, but in severe cases, it can lead to actual tearing of the tendon.
Just like its more well-known counterpart, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow occurs from repetitive movement—especially those involving forceful muscle contractions that stress the tendons over time.
While lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is much more common, golfer’s elbow is still a significant condition, though it is 5 to 20 times less frequent. Because of this, it is often harder to diagnose, and people might not always recognize the symptoms.
Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) is most common in people who engage in activities that require repetitive gripping or forceful movements. Some of the people most likely to develop this condition include:
- Golfers (especially those who repeatedly swing clubs with improper form)
- Baseball players (particularly pitchers or those who throw often)
- Weightlifters (due to the strain of lifting heavy weights)
- Bowlers (from repetitive wrist and arm motion)
- Laborers who use heavy tools (like construction workers, carpenters, or factory workers)
- Anyone who lifts or grips things repetitively in daily life (for example, carrying groceries or lifting boxes)
Golfer’s elbow is most often seen in people between the ages of 35 and 50 and usually affects the dominant arm (the arm used more often).
The main symptom of golfer’s elbow is pain on the inside of the elbow. The pain may start out as mild but can get worse over time, especially when using the arm in certain ways. Additional symptoms may include:
- Pain on the inside of the elbow that can also travel down the forearm.
- Pain that worsens with gripping or when extending the wrist and elbow (for example, lifting weights, shaking hands, or holding a grocery bag).
- Discomfort when holding objects, such as a gallon of milk or a heavy briefcase.
The pain might get worse after certain activities, especially ones that involve gripping, lifting, or twisting motions.
When you visit your doctor, he and his team will work to establish an accurate diagnosis by doing the following:
- Discussion: Obtaining a complete medical history and discussing your symptoms or any activities that might have caused the pain is an important first step in diagnosis.
- Physical Exam: Your doctor will examine the elbow, including assessing range of motion and performing special tests to see if certain movements cause pain or discomfort.
- Imaging: Provides a clearer picture of what is going on inside the elbow:
- X-rays can help show the condition of the bones in the elbow, ruling out other problems like fractures.
- MRI scans are more detailed and can show if the tendon is damaged or if there are signs of tendinopathy (a condition where the tendon is degenerated or inflamed). MRIs can also help show if there is a tendon tear.
These steps help to make an accurate diagnosis and decide on the best treatment plan for you.
Golfer’s elbow is a condition caused by repeated stress on the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the inner part of the elbow. It causes pain, especially during gripping activities, and is most common in athletes or workers who perform repetitive arm motions. If you experience pain on the inside of your elbow, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor to rule out other conditions and start the right treatment so you can return to activities you enjoy.
If you think you might have golfer’s elbow or are experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek help from our doctors who can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options.
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