Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)

Is pain on the inside of your elbow making everyday activities increasingly difficult?

Perhaps you've noticed discomfort when opening a jar, lifting your shopping bags or gripping something firmly. Even simple household tasks can become surprisingly painful and frustrating.

If you've been diagnosed with medial epicondylitis, more commonly known as golfer's elbow, you'll know how much it can interfere with your work, sporting activities and normal routine.

The good news is that most cases improve without surgery. Understanding what's causing the irritation and how to manage it can help you take the right steps towards recovery.

What Is Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)?

Despite its name, you certainly don't need to play golf to develop golfer's elbow.

Medial epicondylitis is a condition affecting the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony prominence on the inside of your elbow, known as the medial epicondyle.

These tendons help control movements such as bending your wrist, rotating your forearm and gripping objects.

When repeatedly subjected to excessive strain, the tendons can become irritated and painful.

Although commonly described as an inflammatory condition, persistent golfer's elbow often involves changes within the tendon itself, rather than inflammation alone.

This helps explain why the condition can sometimes be difficult to resolve simply through rest or anti-inflammatory medication. [1]

What Are the Symptoms of Golfer's Elbow?

One of the frustrating things about golfer's elbow is how frequently you use the affected muscles without even realising it.

Whether you're preparing dinner, gardening or carrying something, your forearm muscles are constantly working.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain on the inside of the elbow: Tenderness or aching around the inner elbow, sometimes extending down the forearm.

• Pain when gripping objects: Discomfort when opening jars, shaking hands or holding tools.

• Reduced grip strength: Difficulty firmly holding or carrying objects.

• Pain when bending the wrist: Particularly when bending the wrist inwards against resistance.

• Elbow stiffness: Discomfort after periods of inactivity or during certain movements.

Symptoms may develop gradually over several weeks or appear following an unusually strenuous activity.

What Causes Golfer's Elbow?

Golfer's elbow generally develops when the forearm tendons are repeatedly subjected to more physical stress than they can comfortably tolerate.

Common contributing factors include:

Repetitive Gripping and Lifting

Regularly using hand tools, carrying heavy objects or performing repetitive manual tasks can place considerable strain on the forearm tendons.

Sports and Recreational Activities

Golf, tennis, weightlifting and other activities involving repetitive gripping or wrist movements may contribute to tendon irritation.

Household Activities

Gardening, DIY projects and even repeatedly lifting heavy pots and pans can aggravate the affected tendons.

Age-Related Tendon Changes

As we get older, tendons may become less tolerant of excessive or unfamiliar physical demands, making overuse injuries more likely.

Often, the problem develops gradually rather than from one particular injury.

What Are the Treatment Options for Golfer's Elbow?

If you're dealing with persistent elbow pain, your first priority is understandably to find some relief.

However, treatment should also focus on reducing the activities that aggravate the tendon and gradually restoring normal strength and movement.

1. Rest and Activity Modification

Temporarily reducing activities that place excessive strain on the affected elbow is often a sensible first step.

Avoid heavy lifting, prolonged gripping and repetitive wrist movements that consistently aggravate your symptoms.

However, prolonged complete rest isn't generally recommended. Gentle movement helps maintain flexibility and prevent unnecessary muscle weakness.

2. Heat Therapy

Applying a warm compress or heat pack for 15–20 minutes may help relax tight forearm muscles and ease stiffness.

Heat is generally more suitable for ongoing discomfort rather than a recent injury or significant active swelling. Cold therapy may be more appropriate for an acute flare-up.

3. Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy can help restore strength and movement, particularly when symptoms have persisted for some time.

During a painful flare-up, strenuous gripping and strengthening exercises may need to be reduced or modified to avoid further irritation.

As symptoms settle, a gradual rehabilitation program can help strengthen the forearm muscles, restore grip strength and improve the tendon's ability to tolerate everyday activities.

Appropriately graded exercises may begin before all discomfort has disappeared, provided they're suited to your condition and don't significantly aggravate symptoms. [1]

4. Medication and Other Medical Treatments

Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication may provide short-term relief, although these treatments aren't suitable for everyone.

Some people may also consider elbow support straps or braces to help reduce discomfort during certain activities.

Corticosteroid injections are occasionally considered, but their longer-term benefits are limited and they may carry risks. Surgery is rarely necessary and is generally reserved for persistent cases that haven't responded to conservative treatment. [2]

5. Drug-Free Home Treatment Options

Not everyone wants to rely solely on medication to manage elbow discomfort.

Some people may have medical conditions that limit their treatment choices, while others simply prefer a drug-free, non-invasive approach.

These options may be considered alongside appropriate rest, activity modification and rehabilitation, depending on the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Managing Elbow Swelling and Associated Pain with OSMO Patch

When elbow pain begins interfering with your work, sleep or favourite activities, finding a practical way to manage the discomfort becomes an understandable priority.

For people experiencing swelling and associated pain around the elbow, the OSMO Patch offers a drug-free, non-invasive home treatment option designed to help reduce swelling and associated discomfort.

The patch is applied to the affected area before going to bed and works while you sleep.

OSMO Patch may be considered alongside appropriate rest, activity modification and rehabilitation.

As golfer's elbow is primarily a tendon condition, rather than necessarily a condition involving significant swelling, OSMO Patch is not intended to repair damaged tendons or replace appropriate rehabilitation.

(ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. Not suitable for individuals with seafood or shellfish allergies)

Discover How OSMO Patch Works

Watch our short video to learn how OSMO Patch is designed to help reduce swelling and associated pain while you sleep.

 

How Long Does Golfer's Elbow Take to Heal?

Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the tendon problem, how long you've had symptoms and whether you're able to reduce aggravating activities.

Some people experience improvement within several weeks, while more persistent cases can take several months or longer.

It's important to remember that feeling less pain doesn't necessarily mean your tendon has fully recovered.

Gradually rebuilding forearm strength and returning to normal activities at a manageable pace can help reduce the likelihood of recurring symptoms.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Golfer's Elbow

Is Golfer's Elbow the Same as Tennis Elbow?

No. Although the conditions are similar, golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow, while tennis elbow affects those on the outside.

Can You Get Golfer's Elbow Without Playing Golf?

Absolutely. Repetitive gripping, lifting and wrist movements associated with work, household tasks or other sports can all contribute to the condition.

Can Golfer's Elbow Heal Without Surgery?

Yes. Most cases improve with conservative management, including activity modification, appropriate exercises and pain management.

Should I Exercise with Golfer's Elbow?

Gentle movement and appropriately graded strengthening exercises can help support recovery. However, activities that significantly aggravate symptoms should be modified until they can be tolerated.

Can Golfer's Elbow Come Back?

Yes. Symptoms may recur if the affected tendon continues to be subjected to excessive strain. Gradually rebuilding forearm strength and managing repetitive activities can help reduce the risk.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

If your elbow pain persists, worsens or significantly affects your normal activities, consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Seek prompt medical attention if you experience severe pain following an injury, significant swelling, fever, or new numbness or weakness in your hand or fingers.

Medical References

[1] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow). Read the AAOS medical resource

[2] Mayo Clinic: Golfer's Elbow – Diagnosis and Treatment. Read the Mayo Clinic guidance