What is golfer’s elbow?
The flexor–pronator tendons attach to the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. These tendons help flex the wrist and fingers and rotate the forearm. Repeated strain causes microscopic tears and degeneration of the tendon (tendinopathy) rather than a simple inflammation. It is the inner-elbow counterpart of tennis elbow. See tennis elbow and epicondilitis (Spanish).
Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow.
- Pain that may radiate along the inner forearm toward the wrist.
- Pain with gripping, lifting, shaking hands, turning a door handle or opening a jar.
- Pain with wrist flexion or forearm pronation against resistance.
- Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning.
- Weak grip.
- Tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers, which suggests ulnar nerve irritation.
- Onset is gradual and symptoms worsen with repeated use.
Causes and risk factors
- Golf, particularly a poor swing technique or hitting the ground.
- Racquet sports, throwing sports (baseball, javelin), rock climbing and weightlifting (curls, pull-ups, rows).
- Repetitive work: carpentry, plumbing, painting, hammering, construction, typing and computer use.
- Sudden increase in activity or training volume.
- Age 35–55 and smoking.
- Weak forearm or shoulder muscles, poor posture or technique.
- Obesity and diabetes are associated with tendinopathy.
How it is diagnosed
A clinician presses over the medial epicondyle and tests pain with resisted wrist flexion and pronation. They check the ulnar nerve, elbow range, neck and shoulder. X-rays are not usually needed, but can exclude arthritis or fractures; ultrasound or MRI are used if the diagnosis is unclear or symptoms persist. Other causes of inner elbow pain include ulnar collateral ligament injury, ulnar neuropathy (cubital tunnel syndrome) and referred pain from the neck.
First steps: load management and pain control
- Reduce or modify aggravating activities, particularly forceful gripping and repetitive wrist flexion, without complete rest.
- Apply ice for 10–15 minutes after activity if it relieves pain, or heat if stiff.
- Use paracetamol or anti-inflammatories in short courses, if suitable; topical anti-inflammatory gel is an option.
- Use a counterforce strap just below the elbow on the forearm during activity.
- Check technique and equipment: golf grip and swing, racquet size and grip, tool handles and keyboard height. See tendonitis.
- Warm up and stretch before activity.
- Gradually return to activity as pain allows.
Rehabilitation exercises
Progressive loading is the key to tendon recovery. A typical programme, adjusted to pain, includes:
- Isometric wrist flexion: with the forearm supported palm up, press the hand into a table or the other hand for 30–45 seconds, 3–5 repetitions.
- Wrist flexor stretch: straighten the arm palm up, gently pull the fingers back with the other hand, 30 seconds.
- Isotonic and eccentric wrist flexion: with a light dumbbell or resistance band, curl the wrist up and lower it slowly over 3–5 seconds; 3 sets of 10–15.
- Pronation and supination with a light weight or hammer.
- Grip strengthening with a soft ball or putty.
- Shoulder and scapular strengthening for kinetic chain support.
Do exercises daily or every other day, with mild discomfort acceptable but not sharp pain. Progress over 6–12 weeks.
Medical treatments for stubborn cases
- Physiotherapy with manual therapy, soft-tissue techniques and loading programmes.
- Corticosteroid injection: short-term pain relief but may not help long-term and can weaken the tendon; use sparingly.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous blood injection: some evidence, variable results.
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in selected patients.
- Surgery: debridement of damaged tendon, rarely, after 6–12 months of failed conservative treatment.
- Most people recover in 3–12 months, sometimes longer.
Returning to sport and work
- Return when pain is minimal with daily use and grip strength is near normal.
- Start with short sessions at reduced intensity, increasing gradually.
- For golf, review swing technique with a coach and consider lighter or larger-grip clubs.
- For manual work, vary tasks, use tools with padded handles and take regular breaks.
- Continue strengthening for several months to prevent recurrence.
- Stop and reassess if pain increases.
When to see a doctor
- Elbow pain lasting more than 2–4 weeks despite self-care.
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the hand or ring and little fingers.
- Pain after injury, locking, or inability to straighten the elbow.
- Swelling, redness or fever.
- Pain that wakes you at night.
- Recurrent episodes despite exercise.
- Neck pain or arm symptoms spreading.
Three common situations
A golfer with inner-elbow pain after range sessions: relative rest, technique check and progressive wrist flexor loading.
A carpenter with pain when gripping tools: modify tasks, use a strap and follow a rehabilitation programme.
A person with elbow pain and tingling in the little finger: assess for ulnar nerve involvement.
Key points to remember
Golfer’s elbow is an overuse tendon problem on the inner elbow. Manage load, use pain relief and a strap, and follow progressive strengthening. Most recover in a few months; seek care for nerve symptoms or persistent pain. Our physiotherapy team can create a plan.
This guide is for general information and does not replace an assessment by your own doctor or physiotherapist.
Questions about golfer’s elbow
These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.
What is golfer’s elbow?
Tendon pain on the inner elbow from overloading the wrist and finger flexor muscles.
How long does golfer’s elbow take to heal?
Often 3–12 months, with progressive loading speeding recovery.
What is the difference with tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow affects the outer elbow; golfer’s elbow affects the inner elbow.
Do braces help?
A counterforce strap can reduce load on the tendon during activity.
Do I need a cortisone injection?
It gives short-term relief but may not help long-term; exercise is the foundation.
Why do my ring and little fingers tingle?
The ulnar nerve runs near the inner elbow and can be irritated; see a clinician.
Sources
This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.