Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)

Golfer's elbow is tendinopathy of the common flexor-pronator tendons on the inside of the elbow. It flares with gripping, wrist flexion, and repetitive forearm load.

What it feels like

Pain and tenderness sit on the medial bony prominence of the elbow and may travel into the forearm.

Lifting with the palm up, swinging, throwing, or repetitive tool use can provoke it.

Some people notice grip weakness or discomfort with handshake and carrying bags.

What is going on

Repeated wrist flexion and pronation stress the medial tendon insertion.

Like tennis elbow, chronic cases are often tendinopathy rather than pure short-lived inflammation.

Ulnar nerve irritation at the elbow can coexist or mimic symptoms, so numbness into the ring and small fingers matters in the history.

How we evaluate

Medial tenderness and pain with resisted wrist flexion or pronation support the diagnosis.

We screen ulnar nerve function and the cervical spine when neurologic symptoms are present.

Imaging is selective for atypical, traumatic, or procedure-planning cases.

What we may offer

Activity redesign and progressive loading with physical therapy are the foundation.

PRP may be discussed for persistent medial tendinopathy after a solid rehab trial.

If ulnar neuropathy dominates, the plan shifts toward nerve-focused evaluation rather than tendon injection alone.

Is golfer's elbow only from golf?

No. Many gripping and throwing activities irritate the same medial tendons.

Why do my ring and small fingers tingle?

That can suggest ulnar nerve involvement at the elbow, which we evaluate separately from the tendon.

Do I need surgery?

Most people improve without surgery when load and rehab are handled well.

How long does recovery take?

Tendon remodeling takes weeks to months. We track function, not just a single pain score.