Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Symptoms, Treatment and How We Can Help at Elite Joint Solutions
Golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain on the inside of the elbow where the forearm muscles attach to the bone. Despite its name, you certainly don't have to play golf to develop it. In fact, we see it more commonly in people who perform repetitive gripping, lifting, gardening, DIY, gym training, racket sports and manual work.
At Elite Joint Solutions, we take a comprehensive approach to treating golfer's elbow. Rather than simply reducing pain, our aim is to identify why the condition has developed and help you recover as quickly as possible while reducing the risk of it returning.
What is golfer's elbow?
Golfer's elbow occurs when the tendons that attach the wrist flexor muscles to the inside of the elbow become overloaded. Repeated strain causes microscopic damage within the tendon, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced grip strength.
Although the condition was traditionally thought to be inflammatory, research now suggests that many long-standing cases involve tendon degeneration and failed healing rather than ongoing inflammation. This is one reason why rehabilitation is so important.
a man suffering with elbow pain
Common symptoms
People with golfer's elbow often experience:
Pain on the inside of the elbow.
Pain when gripping objects.
Difficulty opening jars.
Pain when lifting shopping bags or kettles.
Reduced grip strength.
Stiffness first thing in the morning.
Pain after golf, tennis, gym training or manual work.
Pain when shaking hands.
Occasionally the pain may spread into the forearm and wrist.
What causes golfer's elbow?
Common causes include:
Golf.
Racquet sports.
Weight training.
Manual occupations.
DIY and repetitive screwdriver use.
Gardening.
Climbing.
Repetitive lifting.
Poor technique during exercise.
Many patients simply develop the condition after doing "too much, too soon."
Simple treatments you can try at home
exercises golfers elbow exercises golfers elbow golfers elbow stretches
Many cases improve with sensible self-management.
1. Modify aggravating activities
You don't necessarily need complete rest, but reducing repetitive gripping and heavy lifting for a short period often helps calm symptoms.
2. Ice
Applying ice for 10–15 minutes after activities can help reduce pain, particularly during the early stages.
3. Gentle stretching
Gentle stretching of the wrist flexor muscles may improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
Hold stretches for approximately 30 seconds, repeating 3–5 times daily.
4. Progressive strengthening
Strengthening is one of the most effective long-term treatments.
This commonly includes:
Wrist flexion exercises.
Eccentric loading.
Grip strengthening.
Forearm endurance exercises.
Shoulder blade strengthening.
Rotator cuff exercises.
Research consistently shows that progressive loading helps stimulate tendon healing.
5. Anti-inflammatory medication
Short courses of anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce pain during painful flare-ups. Always follow medical advice and ensure these medications are suitable for you.
What makes our treatment different?
At Elite Joint Solutions, we rarely rely on just one treatment.
Instead, we combine several evidence-informed approaches during the same treatment programme.
Comprehensive assessment
The first step is making the correct diagnosis.
Pain on the inside of the elbow isn't always golfer's elbow. Other conditions can mimic it, including:
Ulnar nerve irritation.
Elbow arthritis.
Ligament injuries.
Neck-related pain.
Referred pain from the shoulder.
Our detailed assessment helps ensure the correct treatment is chosen from the outset.
Hands-on therapy
One of the things that makes our clinic different is our combined hands-on approach.
Treatment may include:
Soft tissue massage.
Trigger point therapy.
Myofascial release.
Joint mobilisation (where appropriate).
Muscle energy techniques.
Progressive rehabilitation.
This combination aims to:
Reduce muscle tension.
Improve joint mobility.
Restore normal movement.
Improve tendon loading.
Reduce pain.
Rather than relying on exercises alone, we address the surrounding muscles and joints that may be contributing to the problem.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture for golfers elbow
Many patients also benefit from acupuncture.
At Elite Joint Solutions we commonly use a dry needling approach around the painful tendon and surrounding tight muscle tissue.
The aim is to:
Reduce muscle spasm.
Improve local blood flow.
Stimulate the body's natural healing response.
Reduce pain.
Allow exercises to be performed more comfortably.
For many patients, acupuncture works particularly well when combined with manual therapy and strengthening exercises.
Hyaluronic acid injections
ostenil injection for golfers elbow hyaluronic acid injection golfers elbow
A newer treatment option that we are pleased to offer is hyaluronic acid (HA) injection therapy.
Unlike steroid injections, hyaluronic acid works differently.
It aims to:
Lubricate irritated soft tissues.
Improve tendon gliding.
Support tendon healing.
Reduce pain.
Improve function.
At Elite Joint Solutions we work with several leading manufacturers, allowing us to select the most appropriate product for each patient.
For tendon problems such as golfer's elbow, we commonly consider products designed specifically for tendon use where clinically appropriate.
Current evidence suggests hyaluronic acid injections may provide meaningful improvements in pain and function in some patients with chronic tendinopathy, particularly when combined with a structured rehabilitation programme. They are not suitable for everyone, so treatment decisions should always follow a thorough clinical assessment.
When should I seek professional help?
We would recommend an assessment if:
Pain has lasted longer than 6–8 weeks.
You are struggling at work.
Grip strength is worsening.
The pain keeps returning.
Simple exercises have not helped.
The pain is stopping you playing sport.
Early assessment often allows treatment to begin before symptoms become long-standing.
Our approach at Elite Joint Solutions
Every patient receives an individual treatment plan that may include:
Comprehensive assessment.
Hands-on therapy.
Personalised exercise programme.
Acupuncture.
Activity modification advice.
Progressive strengthening.
Hyaluronic acid injection therapy where appropriate.
Referral for imaging if clinically indicated.
Our goal isn't simply to reduce pain—we want to help you return confidently to work, sport and everyday activities while minimising the chance of the problem returning. contact us today Contact | Elite Joint Solutions, Iron Acton, Yate, Bristol
References
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Clinical Knowledge Summaries: Tennis elbow and related tendinopathies.
National Health Service. Elbow pain and tendinopathy guidance.
British Elbow and Shoulder Society. Information on elbow tendinopathies.
Coombes BK, Bisset L, Vicenzino B. Management of tendinopathy: current concepts and evidence-based approaches.
Kaux JF, Samson A, Crielaard JM. Hyaluronic acid and tendon disorders: current evidence for clinical practice.
Malliaras P, Cook J, Purdam C, Rio E. Patellar and upper-limb tendinopathy rehabilitation principles and tendon loading strategies.
Comments