Golfer's Elbow
Pain on the inner side of the elbow can make gripping, lifting and twisting difficult. Most of the time it is a tendon problem that settles with the right care, but sometimes the pattern points to inflammation, arthritis or nerve involvement. I would like to help you tell the difference.
What golfer's elbow is
Golfer's elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis or medial epicondylalgia, is pain and irritation of the tendons that attach to the inner side of the elbow. It often follows repeated gripping, lifting, racket sports, golf, gym work or heavy use of tools. It affects many people who have never played golf.
Symptoms to look out for
Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
Pain with gripping, lifting or bending the wrist down
Stiffness in the elbow after rest
A weaker grip than usual
Tingling or numbness in the ring and little finger if the ulnar nerve is irritated
Symptoms that build up over weeks rather than starting suddenly
Why this matters to a rheumatologist
Most cases are mechanical and settle with load management and physiotherapy. A rheumatology review is helpful when the elbow is swollen or warm, when stiffness lasts a long time in the morning, when both elbows are involved, or when other joints are inflamed. In those cases I want to rule out inflammatory arthritis or tendon disease.
Signs I would like you to seek care for
For emergency symptoms please seek urgent or emergency care first rather than waiting for a WhatsApp reply.
Pain that is not improving after two weeks of gentle self care
Numbness, tingling or weakness in the hand or forearm
Marked swelling, redness or warmth around the elbow, with or without fever
Loss of movement after an injury or a snap or pop at the elbow
Symptoms in both elbows or in several other joints
What a specialist review looks like
In clinic I examine the elbow, wrist and hand, check the ulnar nerve, and look for signs of joint swelling, tendon disease or inflammation. Where helpful I arrange ultrasound of the elbow, targeted blood tests or a nerve study. Treatment usually focuses on load modification, physiotherapy, a well-fitted counterforce brace and, in selected cases, a targeted injection.
Questions my patients often ask me
Speak with me
If your inner elbow pain is not settling, is affecting your grip or comes with numbness, swelling or symptoms in other joints, please seek specialist care. I would like to help you find the cause.
Other conditions I treat
This page is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.