Golfer's Elbow

Golfer’s elbow creates varying degrees of pain and inflammation on the inner side of your elbow, where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. The pain may extend into your forearm and wrist. Golfer’s elbow, also known as elbow tendonitis and medial epicondylitis, is a common condition even among non-golfers.

Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms

Your symptoms can come on suddenly or gradually and be intermittent. Symptoms can include:

• Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow that can extend along the inner side of your arm
• Stiffness – you might have trouble flexing your elbow or making a fist
• Weakness in your hands and wrists
• Numbness or tingling in the fingers

Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow usually responds well to conservative at-home treatments. Typical treatments include:

• Rest – refrain from golf or any other repetitive elbow usage
• Ice – apply an ice pack to your elbow for 15-20 minutes four times a day for several days, taking care to never expose skin directly to ice
• Gradually begin to stretch and strengthen the elbow; physical therapy can help
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen or Tylenol®
• Cortisone injections into the joint when other pain meds aren’t working