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Dr. Daniel C. Eby

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine

Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)

Did you try to golf without any warm-up or practice? Is your elbow hurting or bruised after playing a match or golf?

Golfer’s elbow is the common name for medial epicondylitis. This means there is inflammation and possible injury to the tendons that are used when swinging a golf club.

Causes and Risk Factors

Repetitive activity such as swinging a golf club or throwing a baseball can cause this condition.

Symptoms

  • Pain on the inside of the elbow
  • Difficulty or painful flexion of the wrist

Diagnosis and Imaging

Often Dr. Eby and staff can diagnose this condition with ultrasound and may utilize X-rays to rule out other conditions that may be responsible for your pain.

Treatments

Our first steps in returning you to your normal function would be strengthening the affected muscles with physical therapy, limiting activity, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. Ice, heat and bracing may be necessary to treat your symptoms.

If symptoms persist, a cortisone injection may target the inflammation and decrease your pain.

For those cases with chronic symptoms or severe tendon disorders, Dr. Eby and staff may offer surgical options for symptom relief and removal of the damaged tissue.

REFERENCES

McMahon, Patrick J., and Harry B. Skinner. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Orthopedics. 6th ed., McGraw-Hill Medical, 2021.
Jennifer, Rynders, and Sara D Hart. Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants. 1st ed., Elsevier – Health Science, 2013.