Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Elbow pain)
Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, affects the forearm muscles which attach to the inner aspect of the elbow. These muscles act to bend the wrist down and to make a fist. Like tennis elbow, this condition is often related to strenuous or repetitive activities of the forearm muscles and tendons, less commonly it may be triggered by a single injury rather than a gradual onset from prolonged over use. The affected tendons cause pain near to their attachment to the bone at the elbow.
Golfer's elbow is characterized by:
- Pain and tenderness. Usually felt on the inner side of your elbow, the pain sometimes extends along the inner side of the forearm.
- Stiffness, the elbow may feel stiff, and making a fist might hurt.
- Weakness in the hand and wrist.
- Numbness or tingling radiating into one or more fingers — usually the ring and little fingers.
Treatment
Evidence has shown that exercise can be very effective at reducing pain and improving use of the arm, use the links below to find advice and exercises you may find useful.
When to seek advice
If you have severe pain affecting your sleep and daily activities, if you have had a serious injury or you have symptoms that have not improved with self-management, you should contact your GP practice. If you have a red, hot swollen joint please ring 111
