Golfer's elbow is a painful condition usually caused by overuse. It is also referred to as medial epicondylitis. More than 200,000 cases of golfer's elbow crop up in the US each year. It affects the muscles in your forearm, which allows you to grip, rotate your arm, and flex your wrist.
This injury is not limited to golfers. However, the moniker is appropriate because golfer's elbow can be attributed to tendon damage caused by repetitive flexing, gripping, or swinging.
Golfer's elbow causes pain on the inner side of the elbow, where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the inside of your elbow. The pain might spread into your forearm and wrist.
Golfer's elbow is similar to tennis elbow, which occurs on the outside of the elbow.
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness focused on the inner side of your elbow, but the pain can extend through your forearm and can worsen with movement
- Stiffness in your elbow
- Weakness
- Numbness or tingling
Treatment Options
Golfer's elbow can keep you from your favorite activities. Seek treatment options if you feel you have symptoms matching the above described to maintain the health of your hand, wrist, and elbow.