Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Golfer's Elbow in San Antonio, TX
Pain on the inside of your elbow that gets worse when you grip, swing a club, throw or lift can make everyday tasks frustrating. Golfer's elbow is a common overuse condition, and despite the name, it affects many people who have never played golf.
Travis C. Burns, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in San Antonio, TX, with fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine. You can schedule an evaluation at his Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office to discuss your elbow pain and the options that may fit your goals.
What Is Golfer's Elbow?
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is irritation and degeneration of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow, called the medial epicondyle. These muscles bend your wrist and fingers and turn your palm down. Repeated strain can cause small tears and painful changes in the tendon.
Golfer's elbow is similar to Tennis Elbow, which affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Pain at the front of the elbow after a sudden lifting injury may instead point to a Distal Biceps Rupture.
Causes of Golfer's Elbow
Golfer's elbow usually develops gradually from repeated stress. Common contributors include:
- Sports: Golf, throwing sports, racquet sports and weight training
- Work and hobbies: Repetitive gripping, hammering, carrying or tool use
- Technique and equipment: Poor form or equipment that increases strain on your forearm
- Age and activity changes: The condition is most common in middle age or after a sudden increase in activity
Symptoms of Golfer's Elbow
Symptoms may include:
- Pain and tenderness on the inside of your elbow
- Pain that spreads along the inner forearm
- Pain with gripping, lifting, swinging or turning your palm down
- Weak grip strength
- Stiffness in the elbow
- Numbness or tingling into the ring and small fingers, if the nearby ulnar nerve is irritated
How Golfer's Elbow Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis usually starts with a discussion of your symptoms and activities and an exam of your elbow, including pressing on tender areas and testing wrist motion against resistance. X-rays may be used to rule out other causes, and MRI or ultrasound may help assess the tendon. The nerve and the ligament on the inside of the elbow may also be checked.
Nonsurgical Options to Try First
Most people improve without surgery. Options may include:
- Rest and changes to the activities that trigger pain
- Ice and anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
- Physical therapy with stretching and gradual strengthening of the forearm muscles
- A forearm strap or brace
- Changes to technique or equipment
- Injections, which may include PRP therapy in some patients
Improvement often takes weeks to months, so patience with a structured program matters.
When Surgery May Be Recommended
Surgery may be considered when pain persists despite several months of consistent nonsurgical care and continues to limit your work, sport or daily activities.
Surgical Options That May Be Considered
Surgical options may include removing damaged tendon tissue and reattaching healthy tendon to bone. If the ulnar nerve is involved, it may also be addressed. The right approach depends on your exam, imaging and goals.
Recovery
With nonsurgical care, many people improve over several weeks to months, and a home exercise program often continues afterward. After surgery, a period of protection is followed by therapy to restore motion and then strength, and return to sports and heavy gripping is gradual. See the Postoperative Instructions and Physical Therapy Protocols pages.
Why Choose Dr. Burns for Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) in San Antonio, TX?
Travis C. Burns, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine through the John A. Feagin, Jr. Sports Medicine Fellowship. His practice centers on arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, hip and knee, which gives him a sports medicine perspective on how injuries affect your activity, work and daily life.
Dr. Burns previously served as Chief of Sports Medicine at San Antonio Military Medical Center, where his clinical focus was complex shoulder, hip and knee injuries. He has been active in research and academic medicine, including more than 35 peer-reviewed publications. You can meet with him at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office, depending on what is most convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golfer's Elbow
What is golfer's elbow?
Golfer's elbow is an overuse injury of the tendons on the inside of your elbow that causes pain with gripping, lifting and swinging.
Is golfer's elbow the same as tennis elbow?
No. Golfer's elbow affects the inside of your elbow, while tennis elbow affects the outside, though both are overuse tendon problems.
Can I get golfer's elbow if I don't play golf?
Yes. Any activity with repeated gripping, throwing or lifting can cause it, including many jobs and other sports.
How long does golfer's elbow take to heal?
Usually weeks to months. Most people improve with rest, therapy and activity changes, though some cases take longer.
Will I need surgery for golfer's elbow?
Probably not. Surgery is generally considered only when pain continues after several months of consistent nonsurgical treatment.
Request an Appointment
If pain on the inside of your elbow is limiting your grip, game or work, an evaluation can help you understand the cause. Request an appointment in San Antonio with Dr. Burns at the Medical Center, Alamo Heights or Westover Hills office to discuss your golfer's elbow options. You can call (210) 705-5060 to schedule a visit.
