Why Does My Inner Elbow Hurt? Understanding Golfer's Elbow

Why Does My Inner Elbow Hurt? Understanding Golfer's Elbow

Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) causes pain on the inside of the elbow from overloaded forearm tendons, and despite the name, has nothing to do with playing golf. It's typically linked to repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist movements. Most cases respond well to physiotherapy centred on progressive tendon loading, combined with activity modification in the early stages. Additional treatments like shockwave therapy or injections are generally reserved for more persistent or chronic cases.

What Is Golfer's Elbow?

Golfer's elbow (also known as medial epicondylitis or medial epicondylalgia) refers to pain and irritation of the tendons that attach to the inner part of the elbow.

Despite the name, you do not need to play golf to develop this condition. It is often linked to overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that connect the wrist to the elbow.

These tendons are responsible for controlling wrist and finger movements. Because they run from the forearm to the elbow, activities involving gripping, lifting, or repetitive hand use can aggravate symptoms.

The condition develops when these tendons are overloaded and do not have sufficient time to recover, leading to irritation, micro-tears, and pain.

What Are the Common Causes of Golfer's Elbow?

Golfer's elbow typically develops due to repetitive strain or overuse. Common contributing factors include:

• Repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist movements
• Sudden increase in activity or workload
• Poor technique during sport or exercise
• Inadequate rest between activities
• Weak or unconditioned forearm muscles

Over time, repeated stress without proper recovery can overload the tendon and lead to symptoms.

What Are the Symptoms of Golfer's Elbow?

Common symptoms include:

• Pain on the inside of the elbow
• Tenderness when pressing the area
• Pain when gripping, lifting, or twisting objects
• Stiffness in the elbow or forearm
• Weakness in grip strength

Symptoms may develop gradually and can worsen if the underlying cause is not addressed.

What Are the Prevention Strategies?

To reduce the risk of developing Golfer's elbow:

• Warm up properly before physical activity
• Incorporate forearm strengthening and flexibility exercises
• Use correct technique during sport or lifting
• Avoid sudden increases in training intensity or repetitive load
• Ensure proper ergonomics at work or during daily tasks

These strategies help reduce strain on the tendons and improve resilience over time.

What Are the Treatment Options for Golfer's Elbow?

Treatment focuses on reducing pain, promoting healing, and restoring strength and function in the affected tendons.

Physiotherapy and Exercise Rehabilitation – This is a key part of recovery. Treatment typically includes a combination of manual therapy and progressive strengthening exercises designed to improve tendon load capacity and reduce pain.

Your physiotherapist will tailor a programme to your condition, helping you gradually return to normal activities while avoiding further strain.

Activity Modification and Rest – Reducing or modifying aggravating activities is important in the early stages. This may involve temporarily limiting repetitive gripping, lifting, or sports movements to allow the tendon to recover.

Relative rest, rather than complete inactivity, is often recommended, combined with gradual reintroduction of activity.

Manual Therapy – Hands-on treatment techniques such as soft tissue release and joint mobilisation can help reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and relieve muscle tension around the elbow and forearm.

Shockwave Therapy – Also known as (ESWT), shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in the affected tendon. It can help improve blood flow, reduce pain, and support tissue repair, particularly in chronic cases.

Stimpod Therapy – This is a non-invasive electrotherapy treatment that uses neuromodulation to help reduce pain and improve nerve function. It can be particularly useful in managing chronic tendon-related pain and may enhance recovery when combined with physiotherapy and exercise-based rehabilitation.

Acupuncture / Dry Needling – This can help reduce pain, improve circulation, and support the body's natural healing response. It is often used as part of a broader treatment plan to manage symptoms.

Injection Therapy – In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation and provide short-term pain relief. These are typically used alongside rehabilitation rather than as a standalone long-term solution.

At Relive Physiotherapy, treatment is personalised and may combine several of these approaches depending on your symptoms, lifestyle, and recovery goals.

How Can You Manage Golfer's Elbow Effectively?

Golfer's elbow is a treatable condition, but recovery depends on addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes.

With the right combination of physiotherapy, load management, and supportive treatments, most individuals can reduce pain, restore function, and return to normal activity safely.

Early assessment and a structured treatment plan are key to preventing the condition from becoming long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to play golf to get golfer's elbow?

No. Despite the name, golfer's elbow is caused by overuse of the forearm tendons and can affect anyone who does repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist movements, regardless of whether they play golf.

What's the difference between golfer's elbow and tennis elbow?

Golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow, while tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside. Both are overuse conditions but involve different muscle groups.

Can golfer's elbow be treated without injections?

Yes, in most cases. Physiotherapy, activity modification, and manual therapy are usually effective first steps. Injections are typically only considered for short-term relief alongside rehabilitation, not as a standalone solution.

How long does golfer's elbow take to heal?

This varies depending on severity and how early treatment starts, but most people see improvement with a structured, progressive rehabilitation programme rather than rest alone.

How can I prevent golfer's elbow from coming back?

Warming up properly, strengthening the forearm muscles, using correct technique during sport or lifting, and avoiding sudden increases in repetitive activity all help reduce the risk of recurrence.

About the Author:

Mohana Nedunchezian

Lead Physiotherapist, Independent Non-Medical Prescriber and Injection Therapist

Mohana Nedunchezian is a Specialist Physiotherapist at Relive Physiotherapy with over 15 years' experience in Musculoskeletal Medicine. She is a qualified Injection Therapist, an APPI-certified Pilates Physiotherapy Instructor, and trained in Kinesiology taping, Acupuncture, and Bobath techniques.

Mohana holds a Master's degree in Physiotherapy and spent over 10 years as a Specialist Physiotherapist in the NHS before joining Relive Physiotherapy. She has a particular interest in 1:1 Pilates and joint mobilisation techniques, and brings a warm, engaging approach to every session.

Mohana is a member of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine (ACPSEM).

Outside the clinic, Mohana is a full-time mother to two young children and enjoys music and cooking in her free time.