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

Golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow that bend the wrist and fingers, while tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside that straighten them. Both are overuse tendon injuries, and the treatment principles are similar. Tennis elbow is several times more common.

How long does golfer's elbow take to heal?

Most people improve within a few weeks to months with rest and rehabilitation, but tendon healing is slow and symptoms can persist for a year or longer in stubborn cases. Starting a strengthening program early and avoiding the activities that provoked it are the most important factors.

Can I keep playing golf?

Continuing to play while the tendon is painful usually prolongs recovery. Take a break, then return gradually with a warm-up, a lighter grip and attention to technique. A golf professional can help identify swing faults that overload the inner elbow.

MusculoskeletalICD-10: M77.0Fairly common, particularly in adults over 40 with repetitive hand use

Golfer's Elbow

Also known as: Medial epicondylitis, Medial epicondylalgia

Golfer's elbow is pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump (the medial epicondyle). It is caused by repetitive gripping, wrist flexing and forearm rotation, which overload the tendon and cause small tears and degeneration. Despite the name, most people who get it are not golfers; it is common in throwing sports, racquet sports, weight training, carpentry, and any job with repetitive hand and wrist use. It is less common than its cousin, tennis elbow, which affects the outside of the elbow. Most cases resolve with rest, activity changes and a structured strengthening program.

At a Glance

Common symptoms: Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, sometimes spreading down the forearm, Pain that worsens when gripping, shaking hands, lifting with the palm up, or flexing the wrist, Stiffness in the elbow, particularly when making a fist
Main treatments: Rest from the aggravating activity and modification of technique or equipment, Ice and short-term use of over-the-counter pain relievers, A counterforce brace worn just below the elbow to reduce strain on the tendon
Category: Musculoskeletal · Fairly common, particularly in adults over 40 with repetitive hand use
See a doctor if: Elbow pain that does not improve after a few weeks of rest and home care

Symptoms

Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, sometimes spreading down the forearm

Pain that worsens when gripping, shaking hands, lifting with the palm up, or flexing the wrist

Stiffness in the elbow, particularly when making a fist

Weakness in the hand and wrist

Occasional numbness or tingling into the ring and little fingers

Pain when swinging a golf club or racquet, throwing, or lifting weights

Causes

Repetitive wrist flexion and gripping that overloads the forearm flexor tendons
Poor technique in golf, throwing or racquet sports
Weight training with improper form, especially curls and pull-ups
Occupational overuse in carpentry, plumbing, painting, typing or using tools
A sudden increase in activity without adequate conditioning

Risk Factors

Age 40 and older
Jobs or sports involving repetitive forceful gripping
Smoking
Obesity
Weak or tight forearm muscles
Previous tennis elbow or other tendon problems

Diagnosis

Physical examination that reproduces pain by pressing on the inner elbow and resisting wrist flexion
Assessment of grip strength and the ulnar nerve to rule out nerve involvement
X-rays in some cases to exclude arthritis or bone problems
Ultrasound or MRI if the diagnosis is unclear or symptoms are not improving

Treatment

Rest from the aggravating activity and modification of technique or equipment
Ice and short-term use of over-the-counter pain relievers
A counterforce brace worn just below the elbow to reduce strain on the tendon
Progressive stretching and strengthening of the forearm muscles, guided by a physiotherapist
Corticosteroid injections for short-term relief in severe cases, used sparingly
Surgery to remove damaged tendon tissue is rarely needed and reserved for cases that fail 6 to 12 months of conservative care
Supportive: gradual return to sport with attention to warm-up and technique

Prevention

Strengthen your forearm muscles with light weights or squeezing a soft ball
Stretch the wrist and forearm before and after activity
Use proper technique and get coaching for golf, throwing or racquet sports
Choose equipment that suits you, such as lighter clubs or racquets with the right grip size
Lift with your elbows and wrists in a neutral position and avoid overgripping
Rest when you feel the early signs of elbow pain rather than pushing through

When to See a Doctor

Elbow pain that does not improve after a few weeks of rest and home care
Pain that interferes with work, sleep or daily activities
Numbness, tingling or weakness in the hand
A hot, swollen elbow, fever, or inability to bend the elbow (needs prompt assessment)
Elbow pain following a fall or injury

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Musculoskeletal

Tendinitis

Musculoskeletal

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Neurological

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Musculoskeletal

Bursitis

Musculoskeletal

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