Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Conditions

Understanding Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, where the forearm muscles attach to the bony prominence (the medial epicondyle). Despite its name, it can affect anyone who performs repetitive wrist or gripping movements, not just golfers.

The pain arises from micro-tears, inflammation, or degeneration in the tendons that flex the wrist and fingers. Over time, these repetitive stresses can lead to chronic tendon changes known as tendinopathy.

Typical symptoms include:

  • Pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow
  • Pain that worsens with gripping, throwing, or flexing the wrist
  • Weakness in hand grip
  • Stiffness or aching spreading down the inner forearm
  • Pain when lifting objects or shaking hands

Golfer’s elbow is the counterpart to tennis elbow, which affects the outer side of the joint. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can prevent chronic pain and loss of strength.

Wessex Pain Clinic

How We Diagnose

At Wessex Pain Clinic, diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical history and examination of the elbow and forearm.
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Lifestyle and Complementary Therapies

Our physiotherapy and rehabilitation partners focus on restoring healthy tendon function through:

  • •Stretching and eccentric strengthening exercises for the forearm
  • Posture and ergonomic adjustments at work or during sport
  • Activity modification to avoid further strain

.Our pain psychology partners help patients manage the frustration and anxiety that often accompany chronic pain, using pacing and cognitive behavioural strategies to improve resilience and wellbeing.

At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this.

Medications

We may prescribe:

  • Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling
  • Topical anti-inflammatory gels for local symptom relief
  • Short courses of analgesics for acute flare-ups
  • Neuropathic pain agents (such as duloxetine or pregabalin) if nerve irritation contributes to discomfort

Medication is used alongside physical therapy to support long-term recovery.

Interventional Procedures
When symptoms persist beyond initial care, our consultants offer ultrasound-guided treatments to directly target the affected area.
Our management of golfer’s elbow is comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and patient-focused, aiming to reduce pain, restore strength, and prevent recurrence.

Treatments at Wessex Pain Clinic

Treatments